The galaxy is putting on a show later this week, and you won’t want to miss it. On the night of March 13 (or the very early hours of March 14), a total lunar eclipse will grace the skies, and it’s bringing some serious vibes with it. Here’s what you need to know to catch this impressive celestial event.
What Even Is a Lunar Eclipse?
In short, it’s when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align just right, causing the Earth to cast its shadow on the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon slides fully into Earth’s darkest shadow, the umbra, and turns a striking red-orange color—earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.” Spooky and cool, right?
How to Watch the Eclipse
Good news: no fancy equipment required. Just head outside, find a dark spot away from streetlights, and look up. If you want an even better view, grab some binoculars or a telescope for a closer look.
Timing is Everything
Here’s the breakdown for those of us in Columbus:
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Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 11:57 p.m. (March 13)
Partial Eclipse Begins: 1:09 a.m. (March 14)
Totality Begins: 2:26 a.m.
Totality Ends: 3:31 a.m.
Partial Eclipse Ends: 4:47 a.m.
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 6:00 a.m.
If you’re not a night owl, maybe grab a strong coffee because the best part happens in the wee hours.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
Blame science! As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, leaving the red and orange hues to hit the Moon. Think of it as Earth projecting every sunrise and sunset onto the lunar surface. Pretty wild, right?
Bonus Skywatching Perks
While you’re out soaking in the eclipse, keep an eye on the western sky. Planets Jupiter and Mars will also be shining bright, adding even more cosmic flair to your stargazing session.
So set your alarms (or pull an all-nighter), bundle up, and get ready to witness the sky put on a fiery red glow, no ticket required.
