For the first time in years, a total lunar eclipse will dazzle American spectators tonight, complete with a view of the resulting glowing red “blood moon.”
Beginning late Thursday, March 13 into the early hours of Friday, March 14, the Earth will pass between the sun and moon, resulting in the phenomena that will be viewable in some capacity from all U.S. states, North America and South America. As the Earth shifts in front of the sun, blocking its light, the moon will then appear a dark reddish-orange, creating what is often known as a “blood moon.”
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 tonight’s eclipse and where and when it’s viewable from the U.S.
What time is the total lunar eclipse? Here’s when to see the ‘blood moon’
Eclipse weather: ‘Blood moon’ cloud forecast reveals best spots to see the total lunar eclipse
Who will be able to see the total lunar eclipse?
All U.S. states will have some ability to see the total solar eclipse and resulting “blood moon” in the night and early morning hours of March 13-14. 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.
Besides being viewable across North and South America, the eclipse will also be seen across parts of Western Europe and Africa, East Asia and the Pacific Region.
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.
What time is the total lunar eclipse?
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 Thursday 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 Friday 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
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.
News about our planet: Sign up for USA TODAY’s Climate Point newsletter.
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 next total lunar eclipse?
According to NASA, another total lunar eclipse won’t be visible in the U.S. until March 2026.
