According to NASA, the eclipse will be visible across much of the Americas, the Pacific, eastern Asia, and Australia, on Tuesday, March 3.
What Causes A Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow across the lunar surface.
During totality, the Moon is completely covered by Earth’s umbra — the darkest part of its shadow — and takes on a reddish-orange hue due to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.
This phenomenon, often referred to as a “blood Moon,” is caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere, which projects the colors of sunrises and sunsets onto the lunar surface.
When To Watch
The eclipse will unfold over several hours, with key stages visible in different parts of the world. Here are the major milestones (all times in EST):
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 3:44 a.m.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 4:50 a.m. (The Moon begins to darken as it enters Earth’s umbra.)
- Totality Begins: 6:04 a.m. (The Moon appears completely red.)
- Totality Ends: 7:03 a.m.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 8:17 a.m.
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 9:23 a.m.
For viewers in North and Central America, the best time to watch will be during totality, which lasts nearly an hour, from 6:04 a.m. to 7:03 a.m. EST. No special equipment is needed to see the eclipse, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view.
Visibility
The total eclipse will be visible in the early morning hours in North and Central America, far western South America, and throughout the Pacific. Observers in eastern Asia and Australia will see the eclipse in the evening. Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in Africa or Europe.
What To Look For
During the eclipse, the Moon will appear in the constellation Leo, under the lion’s hind paws. The dimming of the Moon’s light will make other constellations easier to spot. NASA recommends finding a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience.
Skywatchers can also look forward to a conjunction of Venus and Saturn later in the week, on Sunday, March 8. The two planets will appear close together in the night sky, offering another celestial treat.
For more information and skywatching tips, visit NASA’s website here.
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