On the night of March 13 and into the morning of March 14, as most of North America is fast asleep, the Full Worm Moon will slide into the Earth's shadow, producing a spectacular total lunar eclipse.
Referred to as the “Blood Moon”, the orange tint on the moon's surface during totality is refracted sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere, similar to the process that gives us beautiful red sunsets. On the west coast, the total lunar eclipse will begin at 10:09 p.m. (PDT) on March 13; mid-eclipse will occur at 11:58 p.m., and the eclipse will end at 1:47 a.m. on March 14.
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. This means that one month the full moon appears above the shadow while during other months it appears 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 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 per cent of the sun disappear, whereas Halifax, NS will see about 85 per cent coverage. Montreal will experience 50 per cent 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, but 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.
Clear skies!
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer,” Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and a STEM educator. 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 on his website at www.wondersofastronomy.com.
