A rare blood moon lunar eclipse will appear over MS soon. Here’s when, how best to watch
Look up! A rare lunar event is set to take place soon and will likely be visible across South Mississippi.
A total lunar eclipse — also known as a blood moon lunar eclipse because of the dark red or orange color the moon takes on — will be visible across North America before sunrise on March 3, according to NASA.
“Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth is positioned precisely between the moon and the sun — shading the moon in Earth’s shadow,” experts said.
Here’s how to watch it in Mississippi.
When is the blood moon lunar eclipse?
Here’s a schedule of the lunar eclipse, according to experts at NASA:
- 2:44 a.m. CST— Penubral eclipse begins, meaning the moon will enter the outer part of Earth’s shadow.
- 3:50 a.m. — Partial eclipse begins. It will look like a bite is being taken out of the moon.
- 5:04 a.m. — Totality begins. The whole moon will be in Earth’s shadow, coloring the moon a coppery red.
- 6:03 a.m. — Totality ends. The whole moon will still be in Earth’s shadow, but the dimming will be subtle.
- 8:23 a.m. — The eclipse is over.
Where and how to watch the eclipse in Mississippi?
NASA recommends getting to a dark place outside with an unobstructed view of the moon.
If you want an enhanced view, bring binoculars or a telescope, but you should be able to see it without special equipment, according to experts.
What else can you see during the eclipse?
Some constellations will be more visible during the eclipse than when there’s a full moon, according to NASA.
For more lunar events, check out NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.
