JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Something special is happening next week in the sky, and we will be able to view it here in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida! A total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3.
In fact, this will be the last total lunar eclipse on Earth until New Year’s Eve 2028-2029.
A lunar eclipse only occurs during a full moon, which coincides with March’s full moon, also known as the worm moon. When the Earth is between the sun and the moon, the Earth casts a shadow onto the moon.
There are different variations of a lunar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse is when Earth’s hard shadow covers the entire surface of the Moon. When this occurs, it is called a blood moon because the moon turns red! The moon turns red because as the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, direct sunlight is blocked and the only light hitting the moon is filtered through our atmosphere.
Pictured above is a total lunar eclipse from November 8, 2022. This is what the moon will look like on Tuesday morning.
A partial lunar eclipse is when Earth’s hard shadow covers a fraction of the moon. The moon still appears red, but it’s not full like a total lunar eclipse.
Pictured above is what a partial lunar eclipse looks like and this was captured on Nov. 19, 2021.
A penumbral is when Earth’s hard shadow never touches the surface of the moon and it’s much harder to see.
Pictured above is an example of a penumbral lunar eclipse captured on Feb. 10, 2017.
So, what time will be best to view the eclipse?
The total eclipse begins at 6:04 AM with the maximum at 6:34 a.m. The total eclipse ends at 7:03 a.m.
Make sure to find an unobstructed view, such as an open field or a park. If you have binoculars or a telescope, you will be able to enhance your view. As mentioned above, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast for Tuesday morning. A clear sky will provide the best viewing opportunity.