A rare event during the total lunar eclipse will cause a ‘Blood Moon’ to rise in the late hours of March 13. The lunar eclipse will peak at 2:59 a.m. EDT (12:30 IST) on March 14, as the moon becomes completely enveloped in Earth’s deepest and darkest shadow, known as the umbra, creating a stunning celestial spectacle.
This eclipse will cause a striking red “Blood Moon” to appear overnight from March 13 to dawn on March 14 for millions in North America, across the Western Hemisphere. This lunar event will be visible in some form across all states in North America, partial regions of South America along with parts of Europe and Africa.
Will “Blood Moon” be visible in India?
While the “Blood Moon” during the total lunar eclipse will be visible to nearly 40% of the world population, observers in India will not be able to view it. More than 850 million people (10.5%) of the world will have an exclusive view of the entire phase from penumbral to umbra.
The western part of the continent has the best view, but the spectacle of the moon completely immersed in the Earth’s shadow will be readily visible from coast to coast. The duration of totality will be longer than normal, lasting 1 hour and 6 minutes whereas the total lunar eclipse will be six hours and three minutes.
Why does “Blood Moon” occur?
With the Earth, sun, and moon perfectly aligned, it creates a total lunar eclipse and the moon passes through Earth’s shadow. This shadow envelops the moon in a deep red or reddish-orange glow, it is commonly referred to as a “blood moon.” This captivating spectacle occurs when the Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, causing its shadow to tint the lunar surface with its distinct hue.
NASA has also pointed that the total lunar eclipse will not be visible to sky watchers in the United States until March 2026.