Get ready for a breathtaking celestial event as a total lunar eclipse, often called a “Blood Moon,” graces the night sky on March 13 and continues into the early hours of March 14. During this rare phenomenon, the Moon will take on a stunning red-orange glow, a result of Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight as it passes through during the eclipse.
**Why it’s called a ‘Blood Moon’**
This eclipse has earned the nickname “Blood Moon,” a name that might sound ominous compared to the more poetic “Blue Moon” or “Harvest Moon”—but it’s a fitting one. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can take on a striking red-orange hue, a result of sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere and filtering onto the lunar surface.
**How a lunar eclipse works**
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with the Moon passing through Earth’s shadow. During totality—the deepest phase—the entire Moon slips into the umbra, Earth’s darkest shadow, glowing reddish due to the scattering of light. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter away, while red and orange tones pass through, painting the Moon with that eerie glow. The more dust or cloud cover in the atmosphere, the deeper the red.
**When and where to watch**
In Huntsville, the eclipse begins with partial phases at 10:57 p.m. on March 13 and ends at 5:00 a.m. on March 14. Totality runs from 1:26 to 2:31 a.m., peaking at 1:58. Check your local times for optimal viewing across the Western Hemisphere.
“March weather can be hit or miss,” said Weber. “There’s about a 50/50 chance of clouds, so keep an eye on the forecast. Fortunately, with totality lasting nearly an hour, you might still catch it between breaks in the clouds.”
**No telescope? No problem**
You won’t need any special gear—just your eyes. For an even better view, try moving away from city lights, or grab a pair of binoculars.
The eclipse has already generated a buzz, and Weber hopes events like this will spark more interest in lunar science and exploration.
“The Moon has always been a powerful part of the human story, and sharing that wonder is something I’m passionate about,” she said. “NASA’s renewed focus on lunar missions—through Artemis, robotic landers, and ongoing spacecraft like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter—will lead to discoveries that inspire generations to come.”