What to expect for the March 14 total lunar eclipse

March 14, 2024, will witness a rare lunar eclipse illuminate the sky with majesty, and astronomers across Canada have plenty to anticipate. At 12:00 AM, the eclipse will provide a breathtaking sight of the Moon transforming into a different form as it moves across the shadow of Earth.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. The Moon will become darker because of this, and at times, it may even become reddish, known as the "blood moon." This is due to sunlight scattering as it travels through the Earth's atmosphere, with only the red wavelengths being able to travel through to the Moon.

When and Where to See It

The lunar eclipse will be visible across Canada, with the peak of the event occurring precisely at 12:00 AM local time on March 14, 2024. Environment Canada indicates that the weather across most of the country will be good, providing stargazers with an excellent opportunity to observe the event.

Coast to coast, expect clear conditions in most parts, particularly in central and western Canada. Although it will be unpredictable at times, Environment Canada has guaranteed that visibility will be optimal, and Canadians can indulge in the show.

The Phases of the Lunar Eclipse

Lunar eclipses typically go through a series of phases:

Penumbral Eclipse: This is the initial stage where the Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow. The Moon's darkening in this stage is very slight and is not easily discernible with the naked eye.

Partial Eclipse: As the Moon continues to advance into Earth's shadow, there is more evident darkening. Part of the Moon will be shadowed, while the remainder is still shining brightly.

Total Eclipse: The most dramatic phase, during which the entire Moon becomes engulfed by the Earth's inner shadow, and the Moon may turn red or coppery in color. This is the peak of the eclipse, which will happen exactly at 12:00 AM.

Partial Eclipse (Again): After the total eclipse, the Moon begins to come out of the shadow of Earth, and the gradual process of change from dark to light begins.

Penumbral Eclipse (Again): The final phase when the Moon exits Earth's outer shadow, and the dimming effect vanishes.

The total eclipse phase, which will last for a few minutes, will give the most spectacular visual display and is the highlight of the event. The Moon's deep red hue will definitely mesmerize the audience.

Why You Shouldn't Miss It

Lunar eclipses happen infrequently and only a few times a year. However, not all lunar eclipses are visible from everywhere in the world. The March 14, 2024, eclipse is an unusual opportunity for Canadians because it will be visible across the country, with favorable weather expected to offer clear visibility.

In addition to the beautiful pictures, lunar eclipses are also extremely significant to the cultural and scientific inheritance. They have been observed and documented for centuries and continue to be a source of interest and mystery about the universe.

By Aayansh Bhanuprakash

CEO - NWAC AWN

Published 8:30 PM MDT March 13