‘Blood Moon’ Rises: Total Lunar Eclipse Set to Dazzle Skygazers Tonight
PARIS (March 13): A total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” will grace the night sky tonight, offering a celestial spectacle visible across the Americas, parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as portions of Western Europe and Africa.
This marks the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, with another set to occur in September. The phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing our planet to cast a shadow over its lunar companion. However, rather than disappearing entirely, the Moon takes on a striking reddish hue due to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching its surface.
The eclipse will span approximately six hours, with the total eclipse—when the Moon is fully within Earth’s shadow—lasting just over an hour.
According to NASA, in North America, the eclipse will begin at 1:09 a.m. Eastern Time (0509 GMT), with totality occurring between 2:26 a.m. and 3:31 a.m. (0626-0731 GMT). In France, totality will take place between 7:26 a.m. and 8:31 a.m. local time (0626-0731 GMT), as reported by the French Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation. However, only the westernmost parts of Europe will have a chance to glimpse the event before the Moon sets.
Viewing conditions will depend on clear skies.
Partial Solar Eclipse to Follow
Just two weeks after the lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse is set to take place on March 29, visible in eastern Canada, parts of Europe, northern Russia, and northwest Africa. Unlike lunar eclipses, which can be observed with the naked eye, viewing a solar eclipse without proper protection can be dangerous. Experts advise using special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors to safely observe the event.
— Agency
