“Get Ready for the Spectacular Blood Worm Moon Lunar Eclipse of 2021!”
On Thursday evening or Friday morning, night owls across the U.S. and other parts of the world will have the opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse, where the moon will be illuminated in a dusty red hue as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. This celestial event, the first total lunar eclipse in three years, will feature a “blood worm moon,” named for its reddish glow and the time of year it’s occurring.
The total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and the moon align in a straight line, with Earth positioned in the middle. This alignment, known as syzygy, causes the full moon to move into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. People on the West Coast will witness the eclipse starting at 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, while those on the East Coast will see it at 2:26 a.m. on Friday. Totality will last for approximately 65 minutes, with a partial eclipse beginning about an hour and 15 minutes before the total eclipse starts.
To view the total lunar eclipse, a dark environment is recommended for the best visibility. While the eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience. The dimming effect of Earth’s shadow on the moon may also allow viewers to see stars near the moon’s edge. The top half of the moon may appear slightly brighter than the bottom half during the eclipse, as the moon won’t be perfectly centered in Earth’s umbra.
The term “worm moon” historically refers to a full moon in March, possibly named after the emergence of earthworms during this time of year. Native American tribes also have various names for the March moon, including the Eagle Moon, the Goose Moon, and the Sugar Moon, among others.
During the total lunar eclipse, the moon will take on a “blood” red color due to sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and bending towards the moon. The long-wavelength red light in the sky will project a reddish hue onto the moon, creating the distinctive color. The exact shade of red the moon will appear may vary depending on how far into the umbra the moon travels and atmospheric conditions at the time of the eclipse, such as the presence of clouds or dust.
Overall, the upcoming total lunar eclipse promises to be a captivating astronomical event for observers across the Western Hemisphere, offering a rare opportunity to witness the moon bathed in a striking red glow as it passes through Earth’s shadow.