A visually stunning astronomical show is about to unfold this week, as multiple regions around the globe will have the opportunity to witness a “blood moon” phenomenon, especially the people in North America, who will have the privilege to track the entire lunar eclipse.
Although the entire lunar eclipse phenomenon will take place from the night of March 13th to the early morning of March 14th, lasting approximately 6 hours, the most spectacular “blood moon” appearance will occur in the early hours of the 14th, lasting for 65 minutes.
Are you ready to experience this visual feast? Don’t miss the exciting moments of the “blood moon.”
In reality, the “blood moon” is a type of total lunar eclipse.
When the Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, forming a straight line or near alignment, and the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow (divided into umbra and penumbra), a lunar eclipse occurs. Depending on the Moon’s position within the Earth’s shadow, three types of lunar eclipses can occur: total lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse, and penumbral lunar eclipse.
During a total lunar eclipse, when the entire Moon enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow (umbra), it appears as a blood moon. As the Moon is completely within the umbra, Earth blocks out most of the sunlight, especially colors with shorter wavelengths such as blue and violet. NASA explains that colors with longer wavelengths like red and orange pass through Earth’s atmosphere more easily and reach the Moon. Therefore, during a total lunar eclipse, the Moon takes on an orange-red or copper color, hence the term “blood moon.”
Similar to a sunset, the more dust or clouds in the atmosphere during a lunar eclipse, the redder the eclipse will appear.
Unlike the total solar eclipse that occurred last year, this time you won’t need special equipment to watch this astronomical spectacle. However, using telescopes or binoculars can enhance your viewing experience. While eclipse glasses are not necessary, using a telescope or binoculars can provide a better view.
As for visibility, if there is no cloud cover, anyone in the western hemisphere has a chance to see the lunar eclipse.
According to the information provided by NASA, the timeline of the entire lunar eclipse process is as follows:
– 11:57 PM on the 13th: The Moon enters the outer part of Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra. Although this has a minimal impact on the Moon, you may notice a slight darkening.
– 1:09 AM on the 14th: Partial lunar eclipse begins. The Moon starts entering the umbra, and a noticeable darkening occurs on a part of the Moon.
– 2:26 AM on the 14th: Total lunar eclipse begins as the Moon completely enters Earth’s umbra. The Moon turns copper red, and photographers should use tripods and adjust settings for better light entry into the lens (extend exposure time).
– 3:31 AM on the 14th: Total lunar eclipse ends, and the red color on the Moon begins to fade. As the Moon exits the shadow, there will be a sense of it being “bitten” again, but this time on the other side.
– 4:47 AM on the 14th: The entire Moon is still in the penumbra, and brightness has not fully recovered.
– 6:00 AM on the 14th: Lunar eclipse ends.
While lunar eclipses can be seen in various regions globally, the best viewing effects will be in North and South America. Observers in some parts of Europe may witness it during moonset, while those in East Asia will see it during moonrise. The maximum eclipse point will be over the Pacific Ocean, providing a memorable sight for observers across the Americas.
North America: The entire process of the lunar eclipse will be visible in all 50 states of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
South America: Most parts of South America will witness the full process of the lunar eclipse.
Europe: Western European regions including Spain, France, and the UK will see the total lunar eclipse during moonset on the early morning of March 14th.
Africa: The westernmost part of Africa, including Cape Verde, Morocco, and Senegal, will see the total lunar eclipse during moonset on the early morning of March 14th.
Oceania: People in New Zealand will have the opportunity to witness the later stages of the lunar eclipse. The eclipse can be seen as the moon rises on the night of March 14th.
[This article references reports from “The Hill” and “Space.com.”]