Total lunar eclipse dazzles the sky tonight

A celestial spectacle is set to light up the night this Friday, March 14. A total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon,” will unfold from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning, offering viewers a rare and striking sight of the Moon bathed in red. This phenomenon, which occurs when Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight, will be visible across multiple regions, including the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Oceania. In Brazil, astronomy enthusiasts will also have the chance to witness the event, particularly in areas with clear skies.

The reddish hue that earns the “Blood Moon” nickname arises from the refraction of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out shorter wavelengths like blue and allows red and orange tones to pass through. This process, akin to what colors sunrises and sunsets, transforms the Moon into a dramatic and mysterious disk. Tonight’s event marks the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022, making it a special moment for both amateur and professional astronomers eagerly awaiting this cosmic display.

Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescopes, however, can enhance the experience, revealing details of the lunar surface as it passes through Earth’s shadow. The peak of the eclipse, when the Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbra, is expected to last about an hour, providing an ideal window for photographs or quiet contemplation.

How a lunar eclipse works and why the Moon changes color

Tonight’s total lunar eclipse results from a precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. When our planet sits directly between the two celestial bodies, Earth’s shadow is cast onto the lunar surface, temporarily darkening it. This event only happens during a full Moon, when the lunar orbit crosses the so-called lunar nodes—points where it intersects Earth’s orbital plane around the Sun. The sequence begins with the penumbra, a lighter shadow, followed by the umbra, the darker, denser core of Earth’s shadow, culminating in the eclipse’s totality.

The Moon’s red coloration during totality is one of the event’s most captivating features. This hue emerges because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is filtered: shorter wavelengths, such as violet and blue, scatter, while longer ones, like red and orange, reach the Moon. The intensity of this color can vary based on atmospheric conditions, such as dust or cloud cover. Higher particle levels can deepen the red, sometimes creating a coppery or rich orange shade.

Observers will see the eclipse unfold in distinct stages. The penumbra gradually dims the Moon, followed by the umbra taking a “bite” out of its edge. As the umbra fully engulfs the lunar surface, totality begins, painting the Moon red. The process then reverses, with the Moon slowly regaining its usual brightness as it exits the shadow.

Where and when to watch the total lunar eclipse

In the Americas, the eclipse will be widely visible, with all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico able to witness the full event, weather permitting. In the Mountain Time zone of the U.S., totality is slated to begin at 12:26 a.m. on Friday, peaking around 1 a.m. In Brazil, timings shift by timezone: in Brasília, the penumbra starts at 12:57 a.m., partiality at 2:09 a.m., and totality runs from 3:26 a.m. to 4:31 a.m., peaking at 3:58 a.m. Clear skies are essential, as clouds could obscure the view.

Western Europe, such as Brittany in France, will catch only the early stages of totality before the Moon sets. In New Zealand, the eclipse will appear partially at moonrise, limiting the full experience. Western Africa, along with parts of the Pacific and Atlantic, will also see the event, with times adjusted to local zones. The entire eclipse, including all phases, will span over six hours, though the eagerly awaited totality will last approximately 65 minutes.

Fascinating facts about the “Blood Moon” you should know

Beyond its visual appeal, the total lunar eclipse carries intriguing details that enhance the viewing experience. Here are some standout features:

• Micromoon: This eclipse coincides with a “Micromoon,” when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, the apogee, appearing about 7% smaller than usual.
• Rayleigh scattering: The red hue stems from Rayleigh scattering, the same process that makes the sky blue and sunsets red.
• Frequency: Total lunar eclipses aren’t rare but aren’t frequent either—typically, a few occur per decade, with this being the first since 2022.
• Lunar view: For the first time, the eclipse will be captured in high definition from the Moon itself, via a lunar module recording it as a solar eclipse on the satellite.

These elements add layers of wonder, bridging science, history, and culture in a single celestial moment.

Detailed timeline of the total lunar eclipse

For those planning to watch, the eclipse follows a specific timeline, adjusted to Brasília time (BRT). Key moments include:

• 12:57 a.m.: Penumbra begins, as the Moon enters Earth’s lighter shadow.
• 2:09 a.m.: Partial phase starts, with the umbra covering the Moon’s edge.
• 3:26 a.m.: Totality begins, fully immersing the Moon in the umbra.
• 3:58 a.m.: Eclipse peak, when the Moon glows its deepest red.
• 4:31 a.m.: Totality ends, as the Moon exits the umbra.
• 5:47 a.m.: Partial phase ends, with the umbra fully receding.
• 6:59 a.m.: Penumbra ends, restoring the Moon’s normal brightness.

Times may vary slightly by location but provide a solid guide for Brazilian viewers.

Tips to make the most of the lunar eclipse

Watching a total lunar eclipse requires little preparation, but a few steps can elevate the experience. Opt for a spot with minimal light pollution, like rural areas or parks away from city lights, for a clearer view. While not necessary, binoculars or telescopes can reveal lunar craters and details during totality, when the light is softer.

Photography fans can capture the event with cameras offering manual exposure settings and a tripod to avoid blur. For casual observers, bringing a comfy chair and a warm drink can make the chilly early hours more enjoyable. Checking the weather forecast is key, as cloud cover could block the show.

Why this eclipse stands out in astronomy

This total lunar eclipse marks the return of a phenomenon unseen in full since 2022, reigniting excitement after last April’s solar eclipse. Its overlap with the Holi festival in places like India adds a celebratory twist, blending astronomy with tradition. The groundbreaking high-definition footage from a lunar module, showing Earth blocking the Sun from the Moon’s perspective, offers a fresh angle—akin to a solar eclipse on the satellite.

Scientists, including those at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, are buzzing with anticipation. Advanced equipment and the chance to spot planets like Jupiter and Mars during the event boost its scientific and visual appeal. Tonight’s “Blood Moon” isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s a glimpse into the solar system’s dynamics, with Earth, Sun, and Moon aligned in a timeless cosmic dance.

Upcoming lunar events to watch for

Miss tonight’s eclipse? More chances are on the horizon. The next total lunar eclipse is set for September 7-8 this year, visible in regions like Australia, where it’s expected to impress. Another follows on March 3, 2026, dazzling North America and continuing the cycle of accessible events in the Western Hemisphere.

Lunar and solar eclipses occur four to seven times annually, but total lunar ones, like tonight’s, are less common than partials. Factors like the “Micromoon” and atmospheric conditions make each unique, affecting color depth and viewer experience. Astronomy keeps delivering these celestial gifts, urging everyone to look up and connect with the universe.