Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse: What you need to know
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of the Americas and many regions beyond including Europe and the UK on the night of March 13, weather permitting.
unbranded – Newsworthy
- A total lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states on the night of Thursday, March 13, into Friday, March 14.
- A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the moon and sun, blocking sunlight from the moon.
- During a total lunar eclipse, the moon appears dim and reddish orange.
Next week, the Earth will make its way 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, known as the “blood moon.”
The upcoming total lunar eclipse is set to occur on the night of Thursday, March 13, into Friday, March 14, for several hours. And unlike the rare total solar eclipse that carved a path of totality across only a portion of states in 2024, this month’s lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming total lunar eclipse.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned exactly between the moon and sun. The Earth casts a shadow on the surface of the moon, dimming it.
The moon doesn’t produce its own light. It shines because its surface reflects the sun’s rays. So when the Earth blocks the sun, a lunar eclipse occurs.
During a total lunar eclipse, some sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and then hits the moon’s surface. Because these longer wavelengths make it through the atmosphere, the shorter wavelengths have scattered away, making the moon appear orange or red, according to NASA. The more dust or clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere, the redder the moon.
What does a total lunar eclipse look like?
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon isn’t reflecting sunlight, so from Earth, it appears dimmer. The dim moon appear reddish orange for a few hours.
How long does a total lunar eclipse last?
Total lunar eclipses last a few hours. The lunar eclipse next week is expected to last more than three and a half hours, the National Weather Service reported.
What’s the best way to view a total lunar eclipse?
While special equipment isn’t necessary to take in a total lunar eclipse, telescopes and binoculars can enhance the viewing experience. Regardless, a dark spot, away from light pollution and trees, is best.
Are total lunar eclipses rare?
Total lunar eclipses aren’t considered rare, as they occur about every two-and-a-half years, according to Astronomy, an outer space magazine.
What is the next total lunar eclipse?
The next total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. is predicted for March 3, 2026, according to NASA.
What is the different between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the sun and moon. During a solar eclipse, the moon comes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light from reaching Earth.
(This story was updated to fix a typo.)
Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
