Nearly a year after a total solar eclipse brought slivers of North America to a standstill for a few dark minutes, another eclipse is catching our attention. This time, it’s all centered around the moon.
Overnight on March 13 to 14, a total lunar eclipse is taking place. But despite this phenomena typically occurring once or twice a year, this isn’t any old eclipse.
“Of all the lunar eclipses, this is the special one,” says Elaina Hyde, an astronomy professor and the director of the Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory at York University.
Here’s why it’s worth jumping out of bed to catch a glimpse of the “blood moon”—and don’t worry, no matter where you are in Canada, you should be able to spot it.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
As the moon orbits the earth and the earth orbits the sun, the trio often cross paths and get in each other’s way. For a total lunar eclipse to happen, the earth needs to move between the sun and the moon in perfect alignment. “The hard part is getting them to align,” says Hyde.
When this does occur, like it will be in the early hours of March 14, the entire face of the full moon will be blocked by the earth. That said, unlike a total solar eclipse, it won’t disappear from view entirely.
Rather, the sunlight that is hitting the opposite side of the earth is refracted by the atmosphere, bending the red light around our planet towards the moon.
“For the same reason that sunsets occur, the red light can get through and hit the moon,” says Hyde. “The only light the moon can reflect is this red light because it’s completely inside the earth’s shadow.”
This causes the moon, also known as a blood moon, to have a reddish appearance. So despite lunar eclipses themselves occurring somewhat regularly—typically once or twice a year—the unique circumstances required for this type of eclipse is something to be excited about.
When and where can you see the total lunar eclipse?
The moon will enter the outer region of the earth’s shadow at 11:57 p.m. on March 13th, but the real show won’t begin until the wee hours of the following morning. The partial eclipse will begin around 1 a.m., with the eclipse hitting totality at 2:58 a.m. and ending at 3:31 a.m.
If you want to get a glimpse of the moon without staying up late on a weeknight, Hyde suggests setting your alarm for 2:30 or 3 a.m. and running outside to take a look. The moon will retain its redness for about an hour, giving you ample time to see it shine.
Unlike last year’s total solar eclipse, which was only visible in totality along a narrow path across North America, the upcoming lunar eclipse will be visible to almost all of the continent. “We expect billions of people to be able to see this eclipse,” says Hyde.
If you’re in cottage country, free from light pollution and bright street lamps, count yourself extra lucky. Not only will the moon’s colours be more vivid, says Hyde, but you’ll be able to see other planets and stars.
If you time it right in Ontario, you may even catch a glimpse of Mars. “Just as you’re losing red Mars, you’re going to gain a red moon,” says Hyde.
Is it safe to look at a total lunar eclipse?
There’s no need to pull out your eclipse glasses this time around—total lunar eclipses are perfectly safe for viewing with the naked eye.
If you have one handy, Hyde suggests bringing along binoculars, a telescope, or even your phone camera to get a better view of the spectacle.
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