Rare Blood Moon Eclipse To Cast Red Glow Over Night Sky

A Total Lunar Eclipse, Also Known as a Blood Moon, Will Be Visible on March 14

On March 14, an awe-inspiring total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, will be visible in the early morning hours. The phenomenon occurs when the Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of our planet’s shadow, casts its shadow on the moon during its brightest phase. This rare alignment happens only once every 2.5 years, making it a treasured event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Eastern parts of Africa, much of Asia, and the western half of Australia will be able to witness this spectacular sight. According to NASA, the eclipse is set to begin at 8:57 pm Pacific Time, with subsequent start times in Mexico (10:57 pm CDT), Argentina (12:57 am ART), and Spain (5:57 am CET). As the Earth’s shadow advances across the moon, observers will notice a gradual decrease in illumination before the Blood Moon takes center stage.

The totality of the eclipse, or the moment when the moon appears at its most vibrant red, is expected to occur at 11:26 pm PDT. This rare occurrence promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the climactic phase lasting approximately one hour.

The cause of this phenomenon lies in the way sunlight interacts with our atmosphere. When sunlight enters Earth’s atmosphere, it scatters light frequencies toward the blue end of the visible spectrum, scattering them outward. However, those with longer wavelengths, towards the red part of the spectrum, are bent inward and cast onto the moon, resulting in its characteristic reddish hue.

Each region on Earth has the chance to view a total lunar eclipse only once every 2.5 years. So, mark your calendars for March 14, and get ready to be mesmerized by the Blood Moon’s celestial beauty. NASA has released a video showcasing the viewing times for the total lunar eclipse in the US this year. Grab your binoculars or telescope and witness a rare and breathtaking spectacle that will leave you starry-eyed.