In just a few days, the entirety of the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere will be treated to the rare sight of a total lunar eclipse, which will cumulate in the spectacle of a glowing red “blood moon.”
In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 13 into Friday, March 14, the Earth will pass between the sun and moon, resulting in the phenomena. Unlike past eclipses, this one will be viewable in some capacity from all U.S. states and North America, as well as South America and parts of Europe and Africa.
It’s been nearly three years since the last total lunar eclipse, which took place on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, and will be the only one visible in the U.S. until 2026.
Here’s what to know about the eclipse and where and when it’s viewable from the U.S.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes into Earth’s shadow while aligning with our planet and the sun.
When the moon is imperfectly covered by Earth’s shadow as our planet passes between our natural satellite and the sun, it produces a partial lunar eclipse – like the one that took place in September. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, completely blocking it from the sun, according to NASA.
What is a blood moon?
In the early morning hours of March 13 into 14, the Earth will pass between the sun and moon, resulting in a total lunar eclipse. As the Earth shifts in front of the sun, blocking its light, the moon will appear a dark reddish-orange, hence the nickname “blood moon.”
When is the total lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the U.S. on the night of March 13-14. The website Time and Date predicts the moon will complete all of the eclipse phases in 6 hours and 3 minutes.
If you live in the U.S., you can see the eclipse starting at about 11:57 p.m. EDT when the penumbral phase, or the moment where the moon passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow called the penumbra, begins, according to NASA.
Totality occurs at 2:26 a.m. EDT when the entire moon is under the umbra. This is when the reddish hues of the “blood moon” will be on display.
The best moment for viewing depends on where you live in the U.S. According to Time and Date and Space.com, prime viewing for different U.S. regions occurs at specific times:
- Eastern Time: 2:26-3:32 a.m. EDT on Friday
- Central Time: 1:26-2:32 a.m. CDT on Friday
- Mountain Time: 12:26-1:32 a.m. MDT on Friday
- Pacific: 11:26 p.m. on Thursday into 12:32 a.m. PDT on Friday
- Alaska: 10:26-11:32 p.m. AKDT on Thursday
- Hawaii: 8:26-9:32 p.m. HST on Thursday
Which states will be able to see the total lunar eclipse?
All U.S. states will have some ability to see the total solar eclipse or “blood moon.” Hawaii and parts of Alaska will miss the beginning of the initial penumbral phase but otherwise be able to get a great view, according to Space.com.
According to Time and Date, which also provides more detailed information about where and when to see the eclipse from your location, up to 39% of the world will be able to see at least some of the penumbral phase of the eclipse, while 10.5% or roughly 863,000,000 will have a view of the entire thing from start to finish.
Unlike with solar eclipses, it is safe to look at the lunar eclipse without protective eye gear.
