Total Lunar Eclipse next week
Gary Boyle, The Backyard Astronomer
On the night of March 13 into the morning of March 14, 2025, as most of North America is asleep, the Full Worm Moon slides into the Earth's shadow producing a spectacular total lunar eclipse. The orange tint on the moon's surface during totality is refracted sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere, much like we see beautiful red sunsets. Here is the schedule for your time zone.
Eastern: Begins: 01:09 a.m. morning of March 14
Mid eclipse: 02:58 a.m.
Ends: 04:47 a.m.
Referred to as the ‘Blood Moon’ the orange tint on the moon's surface during totality is refracted sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere, much like we see beautiful red sunsets.
So why do we not see eclipses every month? The sun projects a shadow behind the Earth in
space. As the moon circles the Earth in 29.5 days from one full phase to the next full phase,
it does so in a slightly inclined orbit. Meaning one month the full moon appears above the
shadow while other months appear below the zone of darkness. When the geometry is just
right, the full moon hides in our planet’s shadow for up to three and a half hours.
Two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse the moon now passes in front of the sun to
produce a solar eclipse. This will be the case in the early morning of March 29 favouring the
Atlantic provinces and Quebec. For example, St John’s NF should see about 90% of the sun
disappear whereas Halifax, NS will see about 85% coverage. Montreal will experience 50%
coverage while Toronto will only see a tiny bite taken out of the sun. Those farther west will
not see the solar eclipse at all.
Safety wise the lunar eclipse is very safe to observe as the full moon slowly changes colour
as the night progresses. However, a solar eclipse can be a beautiful but dangerous thing to
observe. Special eclipse glasses or even #14 welder’s glass are a must until the sun is
completely covered by the moon. There are times when only a partial eclipse occurs and
one must never look at the sun without these protective means no matter how small the
percentage of sunlight is still visible. Eye damage or even blindness can occur.
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 80 radio and television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com
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