A total lunar eclipse will create a blood moon overnight on March 13-14
A total lunar eclipse will create a blood moon overnight on March 13-14. The total eclipse will last about 65 minutes, starting at 2:26 a.m., reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 a.m., and ending at 3:31 a.m.
A blood moon happens during a lunar eclipse when all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets give the Moon a reddish-brown color
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves through the Earth’s shadow while passing opposite the Sun. Despite being in full shadow, the Moon will remain lit, or glow, from all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets. This glow will make the Moon look reddish-brown and is called a “blood” moon.
How to Watch the Blood Moon in March
The total lunar eclipse, red moon, or blood moon will be visible across most of the Northern Hemisphere. The moon will appear a faint red or brown.
No special equipment is needed.
Timeline for the Blood Moon
March 13
- 11:57 p.m. the Moon will begin entering the Earth’s shadow but won’t be noticeable
March 14
- 1:09 a.m. the Moon starts to noticeably enter the full shadow and shading the Moon
- 2:26 a.m. Eclipse begins and the Moon is in full shadow
- 2:59 a.m. Total eclipse peaks
- 3:31 a.m. Eclipse ends and the Moon exits the full shadow
- 6 a.m. Moon leaves last of Earth’s shadow
The March full moon is named the worm moon
The March full moon is named the worm moon and will reach full illumination on March 14 at 2:55 am EDT. With the start of warmer weather around this time, worms and other larvae will start to climb up out of the ground and tree barks. This is how this moon gets its name.
Fun fact: The full moon always rises around sunset
Lunar Eclipse Folklore and Mythology
In Incan folklore, lunar eclipses were believed to be caused by a jaguar attacking and eating the Moon. Afraid it would attack Earth, they would try to scare away eclipses by making as much noise as possible.
Native American tribes, like the Hupa and Luiseño, believed that the moon was wounded and would try to heal it through singing and chanting.
Learn more at https://theconversation.com/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-myths-from-around-the-world-100548
In Greek mythology, lunar eclipses and the “red moon” were thought to be caused by witches who would use magic to get the goddess of the Moon, Selene, down from the sky to extract her blood. Villagers would beat cymbals and make noise to negate the witches’ power and return the goddess to the sky.
Learn more at https://www.theoi.com/Titan/Selene.html#Witches
