A total lunar eclipse occurred on May 26, 2021, visible from Chico, California. This event marked the beginning of a series of celestial phenomena, including an upcoming total solar eclipse and lunar eclipse.
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse is set to take place within a 115-mile path of totality stretching from northwestern Mexico to southeastern Canada, passing through parts of 15 U.S. states. The rest of North America will witness a partial solar eclipse on the same day.
Prior to the solar eclipse, on Monday, March 25, a lunar eclipse will occur. This event, known as the 'Worm Moon,' will only partially pass through Earth's shadow, resulting in a dimming of the moon's light without the characteristic red hue of a 'Blood Moon.'
Although the lunar eclipse on March 25 may not be a major observing event, it will offer a unique sight for those with clear skies. The shadow of Earth cast on the lunar surface will create a captivating visual, albeit not the most convenient for most North Americans.
For those interested in celestial events, the next total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'Blood Moon,' is scheduled for March 13/14, 2025. Total lunar eclipses typically occur in groups of three within a single lunar year, which consists of 12 orbits of the moon around Earth.
The moon's orbit is tilted by 5º with respect to the sun's path, known as the ecliptic. This tilt results in specific points, called nodes, where lunar and solar eclipses occur in pairs. When a lunar eclipse happens at full moon, a solar eclipse is expected at the following new moon.
On July 17, 2019, a penumbral lunar eclipse was visible to observers in North and South America, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The upcoming lunar eclipse on March 25 will be visible from North America between 00:53-05:32 a.m. EDT, with the maximum eclipse at 03:12 a.m. EDT, covering 95% of the full moon in Earth's shadow.
Stay tuned for more updates on the total solar eclipse on April 8 and other celestial events. Wishing all sky gazers clear skies and unforgettable views of these cosmic wonders.
