A total lunar eclipse is set to take place on the night of March 13-14, and those eager to witness this celestial phenomenon will have the opportunity to do so remotely. Griffith Observatory has announced that a live online broadcast will be hosted, allowing viewers to experience the event from anywhere.
The livestream is scheduled to begin at 8:50 p.m. and will continue until 3:05 a.m. It will be available for viewing on the observatory’s official YouTube channel. During this time, Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park will remain closed to the public. Onsite viewing options will not be provided, ensuring that all observations take place virtually.
For those in Southern California, the eclipse should be visible to the naked eye, provided the skies remain clear. According to officials, totality will commence at 11:26 p.m. and can be observed by looking toward the southeastern sky.
“The Moon undergoes significant visual changes throughout an eclipse, making it an event worth checking multiple times over the course of the night,” officials noted.
This total lunar eclipse will be observable in various phases. The period of totality, during which the Moon will be fully engulfed in Earth’s shadow, will last from 11:26 p.m. to 12:31 a.m., with peak visibility expected at 11:59 p.m. Prior to that, the umbral eclipse, which occurs when Earth’s shadow begins taking a noticeable “bite” out of the Moon’s surface, will start at 10:09 p.m. and conclude at 1:48 a.m.
For those unable to watch the event live, a timelapse version of the eclipse will be made available on the observatory’s YouTube channel the following morning. This will provide an opportunity to witness the entire spectacle in a condensed format.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves completely into Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. As this happens, the Moon takes on a reddish hue, a result of sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere in a process similar to what happens during a sunset. This reddish glow is sometimes referred to as a “Blood Moon.”
Lunar eclipses can only take place during a full moon. Unlike solar eclipses, they can be viewed safely with the naked eye. No special equipment is required to observe the changes in the Moon’s appearance.
The Science Behind the Red Moon
The Moon does not produce its own light. It reflects sunlight, which is why it normally appears bright. During an eclipse, Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere and is bent toward the Moon. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet are scattered, while longer red and orange wavelengths make it through, giving the Moon its eerie red glow.
This same effect, known as Rayleigh scattering, is responsible for the colors seen during sunrises and sunsets. The more dust or particles in Earth’s atmosphere, the deeper red the Moon may appear. When volcanic eruptions, wildfires, or pollution increase the amount of particulate matter in the air, the effect can be even more pronounced, resulting in an even darker red hue.
Another phenomenon called the ozone effect plays a role in the Moon’s color during a total lunar eclipse. While most of the sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is red or orange, a small amount of blue light is also refracted. This happens because the Earth’s ozone layer absorbs red light at shorter wavelengths, allowing a bit of blue to reach the Moon. This sometimes gives the Moon a turquoise hue at the edges of the shadow during the early and late stages of an eclipse.
The degree of redness seen during an eclipse can vary depending on atmospheric conditions at the time. Astronomers use something called the Danjon Scale to classify the brightness and color of the Moon during totality. The scale ranges from L0 (very dark, nearly invisible Moon) to L4 (bright copper-red Moon). This variation is influenced by weather, pollution, and other atmospheric factors, making each total lunar eclipse unique.
How Often Do Lunar Eclipses Occur?
Lunar eclipses happen at least twice a year, but total lunar eclipses are less frequent. On average, they occur roughly every 2.5 years at any given location on Earth. Some years may see multiple total eclipses, while others may have none.
For skywatchers in Los Angeles, the next total lunar eclipse will take place on March 3-4, 2026. While partial and penumbral eclipses may occur in between, they do not offer the same breathtaking effect as a total eclipse.
The Cultural and Historical Significance of Lunar Eclipses
Throughout history, lunar eclipses have been viewed with fascination and sometimes fear. Ancient civilizations often interpreted them as omens or signs from the gods. The Incas, for example, believed a jaguar was attacking the Moon, while some Chinese traditions spoke of a celestial dragon devouring it.
In modern times, lunar eclipses have lost their superstitious associations but continue to inspire awe. Astronomers use them to study Earth’s atmosphere, as the way sunlight filters through it can reveal valuable data about its composition.
How to Best View the Eclipse
While no special equipment is needed to observe a lunar eclipse, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. A clear, dark sky with minimal light pollution provides the best viewing conditions.
For those interested in photographing the event, a camera with manual settings is recommended. A tripod can help stabilize long-exposure shots, capturing the deep red hues of the Moon at totality.
Other Celestial Events to Watch for in 2024
The lunar eclipse is just one of many celestial events happening this year. Other notable astronomical events include:
- April 8, 2024: A total solar eclipse will be visible across North America, offering a rare opportunity to witness daytime darkness.
- August 12-13, 2024: The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most active meteor showers of the year, will peak, producing up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
- December 13-14, 2024: The Geminid meteor shower, known for its bright and colorful meteors, will light up the night sky.
Final Thoughts
Lunar eclipses remain one of the most fascinating celestial events visible to the naked eye. Whether watching online through Griffith Observatory’s broadcast or stepping outside for a firsthand view, this total lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable experience.
For those eager to learn more about this event and other upcoming astronomical phenomena, visiting the observatory’s official website is highly recommended. The wonders of space continue to inspire curiosity and awe, reminding us of the vast and ever-changing universe above.
