The Good—and Bad—News About Next Week’s Total Lunar Eclipse
Summary
An early morning eclipse on March 3 will captivate skywatchers across North America, presenting a unique challenge for those in the eastern regions. This celestial event promises to be a stunning spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts.
Key Insights
Why will the total lunar eclipse be difficult to see in eastern North America?
The moon will set during totality in the Eastern time zone, meaning observers in the eastern United States will only be able to see the beginning stages of the eclipse before the moon dips below the horizon. In New York, for example, the moon will be below the horizon by the time maximum eclipse occurs at 6:33 a.m. EST, so viewers will miss the most dramatic part of the blood moon. Western regions of North America will have much better viewing conditions, with the moon remaining visible throughout the entire totality phase.
What is a 'blood moon' and why does it appear red during a total lunar eclipse?
A blood moon is the reddish appearance the moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse. When Earth positions itself directly between the sun and moon, Earth's shadow falls completely on the lunar surface. However, Earth's atmosphere bends sunlight around the planet, and this refracted light is predominantly red and orange wavelengths, which illuminate the moon's surface and give it a deep red or copper color. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye, and no special eye protection is needed.