Witness the 'Blood Moon'! Total Lunar Eclipse Begins
The sky is about to put on a spectacular show! At 6:04 a.m. ET, the moon will be engulfed by Earth's shadow, marking the start of the year's only total lunar eclipse. If you're in a clear spot, you might catch a glimpse of the moon's transformation into a red or orange glow as sunlight filters through our atmosphere. But here's the intriguing part: the exact shade of the moon's color can vary depending on atmospheric conditions, so each viewing will be unique.
The maximum point of the eclipse, where the moon is fully centered in Earth's shadow, will occur at 6:33 a.m. ET. By 5:15 a.m., a larger portion of the moon will be covered by the Earth's shadow, and you might notice the moon's color change. Remember, the moon will be lower on the horizon, so find an unobstructed view to the west and slightly south.
The partial eclipse phase began over Florida at 4:50 a.m. ET, with the Earth's penumbra casting its outer shadow over the moon. During this phase, the moon may start to turn red or orange, influenced by factors like smoke, dust, or haze. Keep in mind that maximum totality might not be visible in Florida due to the moon's low position and the rising sun.
For those in Florida, the best viewing spots are low on the horizon, to the west and slightly south. And if you're in Los Angeles, California, the Griffith Observatory is streaming the entire eclipse. With clear skies, it's a perfect opportunity to witness this celestial event.
But here's a fun fact: you can capture this moment with your phone! Just make sure your lens is clean, and avoid zooming in. If you have a telescope, attach your phone's lens to the eyepiece. For iPhone 12 Pro or later, use the telephoto camera. High-end Samsung phones offer two telephoto cameras; use the one with the farthest zoom. Remember to shoot in raw mode for editing flexibility.
And if you're in Florida, don't miss the chance to see the Earth's shadow pass across the moon's surface. The total lunar eclipse will last about 3 hours, with the penumbral eclipse starting at 3:44 a.m., the partial eclipse at 4:50 a.m., and totality beginning at 6:04 a.m. The maximum eclipse will be at 6:33 a.m., and the moon will set at 6:52 a.m., with sunrise following shortly after.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for a breathtaking 'Blood Moon' spectacle!
