The countdown to the first total lunar eclipse of the year starts.
The moon will turn rusty red during the celestial event, which will take place in the United States on the evening of March 13–14. NASA says it won’t be possible to see another total lunar eclipse in the United States until March 2026.
North America, South America, and the western regions of Europe and Africa will all be able to see this year’s total lunar eclipse. The penumbral phase, when the moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, or the dim outer portion of its shadow, starts at 11:57 p.m. ET, and Americans can begin seeing the eclipse at that time, according to NASA. According to the ESA, the eclipse will end at 6 a.m. ET after the moon has gone through all of its phases in slightly over 6 hours.
What is an eclipse?
According to NASA, an eclipse happens when any celestial body, such as a planet or moon, moves between two other bodies, blocking the view of things like the sun.
A lunar eclipse: what is it?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. This occurs when Earth prevents the moon’s normal access to sunlight. Earth’s shadow falls on the moon’s surface in place of the sunshine.
The term “Blood Moon” is also frequently used to describe lunar eclipses because the moon frequently becomes red as the Earth’s shadow passes across it. Even though the moon is under Earth’s shadow, some reddish sunlight still reaches its surface, giving it its tint.
Only when the moon is full and perfectly aligned with the sun and Earth can Americans see the rare celestial occurrence, which they haven’t had a chance to see for almost three years.
A solar eclipse: what is it?
When the moon passes between the earth and the sun, it blocks the sun’s light from reaching Earth, causing a brief period of darkness known as a complete solar eclipse. The resulting “totality,” which allows viewers to see the corona, the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere, is a breathtaking sight, but it may also baffle animals, prompting nocturnal creatures to stir and birds and insects to go silent.
Total eclipses are less common than partial eclipses, which occur when only a portion of the sun is visible.
The distinction between solar and lunar eclipses
According to NASA, the main distinction between the two eclipses is the positions of the sun, moon, and Earth as well as how long the phenomena lasts.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun and throws its shadow on Earth, whereas a lunar eclipse happens when the Earth blocks the moon’s view of the Sun’s light.
A solar eclipse only lasts a few minutes, whereas a lunar eclipse might last for several hours. While lunar eclipses are somewhat more common, solar eclipses are likewise less common. Total lunar eclipses are uncommon, according to NASA, however at least two partial eclipses occur annually.
Another significant distinction between the two is that one can gaze directly at the moon during lunar eclipses without the need for special glasses. However, because the sun’s intense rays can burn and harm your retinas, it’s crucial to wear appropriate viewing glasses and take the required safety measures when watching a solar eclipse.
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