⚠️ Full Blood Worm Moon & Total Lunar Eclipse - TONIGHT!

[KellytheBelly]

The full Worm 'Blood Moon' reaches its peak in the morning hours of Friday, March 14, 2025.

2025 March Lunar Eclipse: The Blood Moon

More than just another full Moon! There's also going to be a Total Lunar Eclipse! During a lunar eclipse, the Sun, Moon, and Earth all align so that the Earth comes in between the Moon and Sun. This means that the Earth will cast a shadow over the Moon (also known as the umbra). When the Moon is in the umbra of the Earth, the Earth casts a reddish shadow, hence the name, 'Blood Moon.' [source: almanac.com]

The total lunar eclipse is visible from all of North America, and will occur on March 13-14, 2025. It will be the first on Earth since 2022.

People on the West Coast will see this week's total lunar eclipse beginning at 11:26 PM EDT on Thursday, while those on the East Coast will see it at 2:26 AM EDT Friday morning. Totality will last for about 65 minutes. A partial eclipse will begin about an hour and 15 minutes before the total eclipse starts. [source: NPR] 

A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon line up such that Earth casts a shadow on the lunar surface. During "totality," the moon moves through Earth's umbra, the dark center of its shadow, giving rise to the red-hued 'Blood Moon.' [source: space.com]

As the Moon passes opposite the Sun it will move through the shadow of Earth creating a total eclipse of the Moon. The Moon will begin entering the partial shadow Thursday night at 11:57 PM EDT, but the gradual dimming of the Moon will not be noticeable until it starts to enter the full shadow Friday morning at 1:09 AM EDT The round shadow of Earth will gradually shift across the face of the Moon (from lower left to upper right) until the Moon is fully shaded beginning at 2:26 AM EDT The period of full shadow, or total eclipse, will last about 65 minutes, reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 AM EDT and ending at 3:31 AM EDT. Even though it will be in full shadow, the Moon will still be visible. The glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth will give the Moon a reddish-brown hue, sometimes called a 'Blood Moon' — although this name is also used for one of the full moons near the start of fall. From 3:31 AM EDT until 4:48 AM EDT, the Moon will exit the full shadow of Earth, with the round shadow again shifting across the face of the Moon (from upper left to lower right). The Moon will leave the last of the partial shadow at 6 AM EDT ending this eclipse. [source: science.nasa.gov]

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect with tonight's 'Full Blood Worm Moon' and total lunar eclipse:

Understanding the Terms:

Full Moon:
This is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun.
 
Worm Moon:
This is the traditional name for March's full moon, originating from Native American traditions. It's often associated with the time of year when earthworms begin to reappear as the soil warms.
 
Total Lunar Eclipse:
This occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting the Earth's shadow onto the Moon.

Blood Moon:
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon often takes on a reddish hue. This is because the Earth's atmosphere filters out most of the Sun's light, but allows some red light to reach the Moon's surface.

 
Key Points About Tonight's Event:

What to Expect:
You'll witness the full moon gradually darken as it enters the Earth's shadow, eventually turning a reddish-orange color.
 
Viewing:
One of the best things about a lunar eclipse is that it's safe to view with the naked eye. No special equipment is required. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view, but they're not necessary.
 
Timing:
It is important to check local times for your area, to know the precise timing of the eclipse.

Why it happens:
The red color is due to the earth's atmosphere refracting sunlight. Just like how sunrises and sunsets appear red.
 
In essence, you'll be witnessing a beautiful interplay of celestial mechanics, where the Earth's shadow transforms the familiar full moon into a captivating 'Blood Moon.' I hope you have clear skies for optimal viewing! [source: Gemini]
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Squee! Totes gonna have a full blood worm moon and total lunar eclipse party at our house tonight!!! 〰 🔴 🌑 ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-