Lunar eclipses are a celestial spectacle that captivate people around the world. These events occur when the Earth's shadow blocks the sun's light from reaching the moon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be seen from a much larger area on Earth. This is because the Earth's shadow is much larger than the moon's shadow. In fact, during this century, there will be 85 total lunar eclipses. Each geographic location on Earth's surface will experience an average of 40 to 45 total lunar eclipses, or about one every 2. 3 years. This is a stark contrast to solar eclipses, which are visible from a much smaller area and occur less frequently.
The upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 13-14 will be visible from North and South America, Western Europe, far Western Africa, and New Zealand. This event will be a stunning sight, with the moon turning a reddish hue, earning it the nickname "blood moon. " The term "blood moon" has been popularized in recent years, but it originates from a prophecy in a book written by a pastor. The book claimed that a series of four consecutive lunar eclipses, known as a lunar tetrad, was an omen of the end times. However, this prophecy has been debunked by astronomers, who point out that tetrads have occurred throughout history without any apocalyptic events.
The temperature on the moon can drop dramatically during a total lunar eclipse. This is because the moon is suddenly deprived of sunlight, causing a rapid temperature drop. During a total lunar eclipse in February 1971, temperatures were monitored at two Apollo landing sites. At the Apollo 12 site on the Ocean of Storms, the temperature dropped from 168. 3 to minus 153 degrees Fahrenheit (75. 7 to minus 102. 8 degrees Celsius) — a change of 321. 3 F (178. 5 C). At the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro site, the temperature dropped from 154. 1 to minus 153 F (67. 8 to minus 102 C) — a change of 307. 1 F (169. 8 C). This rapid temperature change can cause lunar rocks to crumble and gas to escape from within the moon.
The duration of the totality phase of a lunar eclipse can vary greatly. The longest duration of totality for a lunar eclipse is 107 minutes. This can happen when the moon crosses through the middle of Earth's shadow, when the moon is at or very near apogee, the farthest point in its orbit from Earth. The shortest totality for a lunar eclipse can last just an instant. In recent years, the shortest total lunar eclipse occurred on April 4, 2015, when the duration of totality was less than five minutes. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7, 2025. This eclipse will be visible from central Africa and eastern Europe to eastern Asia, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. The Americas will not be able to see this eclipse because the moon will be below the horizon and it will be daytime during this eclipse.
Lunar eclipses have also played a role in human history. In 1504, Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of an upcoming lunar eclipse to save his crew. Columbus and his men were marooned and hungry on the north coast of Jamaica. The Indigenous Arawak people were becoming tired of their demands. But Columbus knew about an upcoming lunar eclipse and used this knowledge to his advantage. He warned the Indigenous people that he would take the moon away if they did not cooperate with his expedition. When the lunar eclipse occurred, the Indigenous people were terrified and begged Columbus to bring back the moon. Columbus pretended to pray and the moon began to emerge from the Earth's shadow. The Indigenous people cheered and hurried away to bring food for the ill and starving men. This event shows how lunar eclipses have influenced human history and culture.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from North America will occur on March 3, 2026. However, for observers in the Eastern time zone, the moon will set during the dawn's early light during the total phase. Places in the middle of the country will be able to catch the moon emerging from Earth's shadow as it sets, while for the Western part of the country, the eclipse will be visible from start to finish. Hawaiians will see the moon almost overhead as totality takes place in the hours after midnight.
On August 27-28, 2026, an "almost" total lunar eclipse will occur. This eclipse will favor much of North America, though far Western areas (including Hawaii) will see the moon rise already within Earth's dark umbral shadow. At mid-eclipse, 93% of the moon will be immersed in the umbra, leaving only the uppermost part of its disk in view.
