JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow.
In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, which gives it that eerie red-orange glow. This color shift is why total lunar eclipses are often called “Blood Moons.”
Set your alarms!
The lunar eclipse will begin with partial phases at 2:26 a.m. on March 14. Totality — the moment when the Moon is fully in Earth’s shadow — will start at 2:58 a.m. and last until 3:31 a.m. At that moment, the Moon will be a staggering 249,823 miles away.
There’s a good chance of clear skies around the greater Jacksonville area. Some fog and low clouds may cover inland areas of north Florida but with totality lasting close to an hour, you might still catch a glimpse even if the clouds are thicker along the I-75 corridor.
No Telescope Required
No fancy equipment or safety glasses are needed — just step outside and look up! Moving away from streetlights will improve your view, and a pair of binoculars can enhance the detail of the Moon’s surface.
Why the Red Glow?
So why does the Moon turn red during a total eclipse? According to NASA, some sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and bends toward the Moon. Shorter wavelengths of light (like blue and violet) scatter more easily, leaving behind the longer wavelengths (red and orange) to light up the Moon. If there’s a lot of dust or cloud cover in Earth’s atmosphere, the Moon will appear even redder.
Fun Fact: Eclipses Come in Pairs!
Lunar eclipses are always followed or preceded by a solar eclipse within a couple of weeks. This time, a partial solar eclipse will occur shortly after — but unless you plan to visit Eastern Canada, Greenland, or Northern Europe, you’ll miss out.
Mark Your Calendars
Miss this one? You won’t have to wait too long — the next total lunar eclipse will happen in the early morning of March 3, 2026, peaking at 6:33 a.m.