Hey, everyone, get ready for some exciting news.
We've got a total lunar eclipse coming to North
America on March 13th and 14th, 2025. Oh, yeah.
It's been a while, three years to be exact, since
we last saw one from North America. So this is
going to be pretty special. Yeah. And before
we really dive in, I want to remind you to follow
meteorologist Rob Jones. Okay. He's on Instagram
meteorologist on TikTok TV meteorologist and
on YouTube. You can follow Rob Jones hurricane.
Great. That's also where you can find the Meteorology
Matters podcast playlist. Awesome. You know,
we're not just going to talk about what causes
a lunar eclipse. We'll also figure out the best
viewing spots across the US. OK. We'll unravel
some pretty cool facts about the March full moon.
Right. And hopefully answer some questions you
didn't even know you had. Sounds good. So let's
get started. OK. Could you walk us through what
happens during a total lunar eclipse? Sure. I
know it has something to do with the sun, earth,
and moon lining up. But what's the science behind
this? Cosmic Ballet. Yeah, you're right. It's
all about alignment. Okay. Astronomers call it
syzygy, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form, well,
a nearly straight line in space. Now during a
lunar eclipse, the Earth is right in the middle,
blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Moon.
I see. So picture the Earth's shadow, or what
astronomers call the umbra. It slowly creeps
across the lunar surface as the moon moves deeper
into the umbra. It gets darker and darker. But
here's where it gets really interesting. During
totality, when the moon is completely engulfed
in Earth's shadow, it doesn't just vanish. It
transforms into this really cool reddish orange
spectacle. We call it the famous blood moon.
Blood moon, that's so cool. It's like something
out of a fantasy novel. But why red? Why not
say blue or green? The reason has to do with
Earth's atmosphere. Even though the Earth is
blocking direct sunlight, some rays still manage
to sneak through the edges of our planet's atmosphere.
As this light passes through the air, it gets
scattered and filtered. The shorter wavelengths
of light, like blue and green, get scattered
away more easily, leaving behind the longer wavelengths,
like red and orange. It's the same phenomenon
that paints our sunsets and sunrises with those
warm hues. Ah, that makes so much sense. So the
blood moon is like a giant cosmic sunset projected
onto the lunar surface. That's a beautiful way
to think about it. Now, I read that the shade
of red can vary from eclipse to eclipse. Why
is that? That's a great question. And it really
highlights how lunar eclipses can be a kind of
celestial barometer for the health of our planet.
The shade of red during a lunar eclipse depends
on what's happening in Earth's atmosphere. You
know, if there's been a recent volcanic eruption,
for example, and there's a lot of dust and aerosols
in the upper atmosphere, the eclipse might appear
a deeper, darker red. Wow. Conversely, a clear
atmosphere might result in a brighter, almost
coppery hue. So we're not just watching a lunar
eclipse. We're also getting a glimpse into the
state of Earth's atmosphere. That's incredible.
Yeah. I also heard that for this particular eclipse,
the moon won't be passing directly through the
center of the Earth's shadow. Uh -huh. So you
might see the top half appearing brighter. Is
that true? That's absolutely correct. The moon's
path through Earth's shadow isn't always perfectly
central. Yeah. This time it's going to be slightly
off center, meaning one side of the moon will
be closer to the edge of the umbra where some
sunlight can still reach it. And that's why the
top half might appear a bit brighter than the
bottom half during totality. It's a subtle detail,
but it adds another layer of intrigue to this
already fascinating event. I love those little
details, the things that make each eclipse unique.
So let's talk about where to catch this celestial
spectacle. Obviously, clear skies are key. Right.
But are there specific locations in the US that
will offer the best views? Well, weather plays
a huge role. And unfortunately, it looks like
Mother Nature might throw a wrench in the plans
for some of us this time. There's a large storm
system brewing that's expected to move across
the country right around the time of the eclipse.
Oh, no. it'll bring extensive cloud cover to
many areas. Oh, that doesn't sound good. Yeah.
So which areas are going to be hit the hardest
by this cloud cover? The far west, the Rockies,
and the north central US are likely going to
face a blanket of clouds making viewing difficult.
For example, Salt Lake City is predicted to have
about 93 % cloud cover. And the Northeast won't
fare much better. There will be a fair amount
of cloudiness expected there too. So we can rule
those regions out for optimal viewing. What about
the Rockies? They're usually pretty severe, right?
Unfortunately, not this time. The Rockies are
actually in for a double whammy of clouds and
snow. Oh, no. What are the best conditions for
eclipse viewing? So those are the no -go zones.
But where can we find the clearest skies, the
prime real estate for eclipse viewing? Well,
based on current weather models, the best viewing
conditions look to be in a swath of the country
stretching from Texas to the Ohio Valley. And
southern Florida also looks promising. Oh, good.
Miami, for instance, is predicted to have only
about 3 % cloud cover. Now, those are some eclipse
-worthy skies. Yeah. Clear skies and a blood
moon. Yeah. What more could you ask for? You're
right about that. And I almost forgot to mention
the Central Plains, specifically Oklahoma, Kansas,
and Missouri. Those are shaping up to be solid
options for clear viewing as well. Excellent
news for eclipse enthusiasts in those states.
Right. Now, I can't let you go without asking
about the worm moon. Sure. It's kind of a quirky
name, isn't it? What's the story behind that?
It's a fascinating blend of natural observations
and Native American tradition. Historically,
the March full moon often coincided with the
emergence of earthworms as the ground began to
thaw with the arrival of spring. So it's a sign
of nature reawakening after winter. I like that.
Are there other names for the March full moon?
Absolutely. It's amazing how different cultures
have observed the same celestial event and given
it unique names reflecting their own traditions
and experiences. Some Native American tribes
called it the Eagle Moon, marking in the return
of these majestic birds. Others referred to it
as the Goose Moon, signifying the northward migration
of geese. Oh, wow. There's also the crow comes
back moon, the sugar moon when maple sap starts
to flow, the wind strong moon highlighting the
blustery weather often associated with March.
Oh, wow. And even the sore eyes moon maybe referencing
the glare of sunlight reflecting off the melting
snow. Wow, that's a whole collection of names,
each one telling its own story. It's like looking
up at the same moon but seeing it through different
cultural lenses. It really adds another dimension
to this upcoming lunar eclipse, doesn't it? It
certainly does, and it makes you wonder how people
in the past interpreted these celestial events.
Imagine seeing a total lunar eclipse, this sudden
darkening and reddening of the moon, without
any scientific understanding of what was happening.
It must have been a truly awe -inspiring and
perhaps even frightening experience. I can only
imagine. So as we gear up for this total lunar
eclipse, it's more than just a scientific phenomenon.
Right. We're connecting to a long legacy of human
wonder and story time. You beautifully said.
Who knows what stories and interpretations this
particular eclipse will inspire in us. Exactly.
It's time to embrace the magic of the worm moon
lunar eclipse because it promises to be an unforgettable
experience. It really does. Now that we've talked
about what causes a lunar eclipse and where to
see it, let's get down to the nitty -gritty.
Okay. When exactly can you catch this lunar eclipse.
Yes, let's talk timings. I know folks are eager
to plan their eclipse viewing parties. Yeah,
you're right. Timing is key for any celestial
event. Right. And it varies depending on your
location. We're talking time zones and all that.
Right. So break it down for us. What are the
prime viewing times for different parts of the
country? Well, for those on the West Coast, the
total lunar eclipse begins at 11 .26 p .m. Pacific
Daylight Time on March 13th. OK, West Coasters,
set those alarms. What about the East Coast?
For those in the East Coast, things kick off
a little later at 2 .26 a .m. Eastern Daylight
Time on March 14th. Okay. So basically, the farther
east you are, the later you'll need to stay up
or wake up to witness the full spectacle of the
eclipse. Got it. So we've got a late night show
on the West Coast and an early morning spectacle
on the East Coast. Yeah. And how long will this
celestial show last? Totality. You know that
magical moment when the moon is completely bathed
in Earth's shadow? Yeah. Will last for a little
over an hour. Plenty of time to soak in the spectacle.
And don't forget the partial phases of the eclipse
when the moon is gradually moving into and out
of Earth's shadow will be visible for a couple
of hours before and after totality. That's good
to know. So even if you miss the peak moment,
you can still catch some pretty incredible celestial
choreography. Speaking of which, any tips on
how to capture this cosmic ballet on camera?
Oh yeah. I'm sure our listeners will want to
preserve the memory of this event. Absolutely.
And you know, photographing a lunar eclipse can
be a bit tricky, but with a few pointers you
can snag some stunning shots. Okay. First and
foremost, ditch the shaky hands and use a tripod.
The long exposures needed to capture the eclipse
will make handheld shots blurry. A steady tripod
is essential. Got it. What about camera settings?
Any advice there? You'll need to experiment a
bit. But a good starting point is a low ISO setting,
like 100 or 200, to minimize noise. For aperture,
begin with a wide opening, like f8 or f11. This
will allow more light in and help achieve a sharper
focus. Low ISO and wide aperture, check. For
the big question, shutter speed. Right. What's
the magic number? Ugh, shutter speed. This is
where things get fun. It's all about experimentation
and finding what works for you. You'll need to
adjust your shutter speed based on the brightness
of the moon and the desired effect. OK. You can
start with a shorter exposure, maybe a second
or two, and gradually increase it until you achieve
the brightness and detail you're looking for.
So it's like a cosmic dance with your camera
settings, tweaking and adjusting until you find
that perfect rhythm. Exactly. And don't forget
to use your camera's timer or a remote shutter
release to avoid any camera shake. Right. those
photos to be crisp and clear. No shapey hands
allowed when we're capturing these selectual
masterpieces. Any other pro tips? If you really
want to elevate your photos, try incorporating
foreground elements like trees, buildings, or
even silhouettes of people against the backdrop
of the eclipsed moon. Right. It can add a sense
of depth and scale to your photos. Ooh, I like
that. Yeah. It's like turning a cosmic event
into a work of art. It's all about expressing
your own unique vision through the lens of this
celestial phenomenon. Exactly. And most importantly,
have fun and enjoy the experience. It's not every
day we get to witness this kind of celestial
show. Right. Speaking of the blood moon, are
there any cultural or historical beliefs associated
with this reddish hue during a lunar eclipse?
That's a great point. It's not just about the
science. It's about how different cultures have
perceived and interpreted this event throughout
history. I'm actually curious to hear what you've
uncovered. Well, in some ancient cultures, the
blood moon was seen as a bad omen, a sign of
impending doom. They associated it with things
like war, famine, or natural disasters. I can
understand why. The moon suddenly changing color
could be pretty unsettling, especially if you
didn't have the scientific knowledge to explain
it. Exactly. But not all cultures viewed it negatively.
For example, some Native American tribes saw
it as a time of spiritual renewal and transformation,
a chance to connect with the cosmos, reflect
on their lives, and seek guidance from the spirits.
It's interesting how the same celestial event
can evoke such contrasting interpretations. It
really speaks to the power of the sky to inspire
both wonder and fear in us. It really does. So
are you ready to explore some myths and legends
associated with lunar eclipses in general? Absolutely.
I'm always up for a good story, especially when
it involves celestial beings and cosmic drama.
Well, one recurring theme you'll find in many
cultures is the idea of a celestial being. often
a dragon or a demon devouring the moon during
an eclipse. Wow, that's quite the image. I can
see why ancient people witnessing the moon disappear
into darkness might imagine such a creature.
Are there any specific myths you can share? Of
course. In Hindu mythology, there's a tale about
a demon named Rahu who attempts to steal the
elixir of immortality. But the sun and moon spot
him and alert the god Vishnu. So Rahu's plan
is foiled. What happens next? Well, Vishnu, being
the swift and powerful god that he is, cuts off
Rahu's head before he can swallow the elixir.
Yikes. Talk about a severe consequence. Right.
But here's the twist. Rahu's head, now immortal,
continues to exist and seeks revenge by eternally
chasing the sun and the moon. Oh, wow. So that's
how eclipses came to be. Exactly. When Rahu catches
up to either the sun or moon, he swallows it,
causing an eclipse. But because he has no body,
the sun or moon eventually passes through his
severed neck and reappears. That's a wild story.
It's amazing how mythology can offer such creative
explanations for natural phenomena. It really
is. And there are countless other myths and legends
from around the world that try to make sense
of eclipses. It demonstrates the enduring power
of storytelling and our innate desire to understand
the world around us. It makes you wonder what
stories this upcoming eclipse will inspire in
our modern age. It does, doesn't it? Speaking
of names, we've talked a lot about the blood
moon, but are there any other nicknames for lunar
eclipses? That's a good question. I'm curious
to hear if there are any other evocative or descriptive
names for this event. Well, some are pretty straightforward,
like copper moon or rusty moon, referring to
that reddish orange color. Then there's the simple
shadow moon. Right. Which is just a direct observation
of what's happening. But one nickname I find
particularly charming is the Flower Moon Eclipse.
Flower Moon Eclipse? That sounds beautiful. Why
that name? Well, this particular lunar eclipse
is happening in March, which, as we discussed
earlier, is traditionally known as the Flower
Moon Month in some cultures. Right. It's combining
the type of eclipse with the time of year. Exactly.
It's a beautiful way to acknowledge both the
celestial event and the seasonal context. I love
it. It's like a cosmic calendar marking the passage
of time. Yeah. And it reminds us that we're all
part of this grand celestial dance connected
to the rhythms of the universe. Absolutely. It
feels like we've covered a lot of ground from
the science behind eclipses to the myths that
surround them and even some tips on how to capture
the perfect photo. Yeah, we have. Is there anything
else you'd like to share before we move on to
our final thoughts? Well, I think we've covered
the essentials. OK. But I'm always eager to answer
any questions you might have. Is there anything
specific that piqued your curiosity? Well, you
mentioned earlier that the shade of red during
a total lunar eclipse can vary depending on what's
happening in Earth's atmosphere. Could you maybe
elaborate on that a bit more? What are some of
the factors that can influence the color? Of
course. As we discussed, the reddish hue is caused
by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere.
But the intensity and shade of that red can be
influenced by a number of things. For example,
if there's been a recent volcanic eruption and
there's a lot of dust and ash particles in the
upper atmosphere, the eclipse might appear a
deeper, darker red. almost like a blood orange.
So it's like Earth's atmosphere is acting as
a giant filter. Right. Altering the color of
the light that reaches the moon. That's fascinating.
It is. And it's not just volcanic eruptions.
Oh. Air pollution, forest fires, even large dust
storms can affect the shade of red we see during
a lunar eclipse. So in a way, the eclipse is
giving us a glimpse into the state of our planet's
atmosphere. That's a remarkable thought. It's
like we're not just observing a celestial event.
We're also getting a subtle message from Earth
itself. Precisely. And it highlights the interconnectedness
of everything in our universe. I love that perspective.
It makes this eclipse even more meaningful. So,
as we approach this upcoming event, should we
be on the lookout for any other subtle details
or variations? What else might surprise us? One
thing to keep in mind is that the moon's brightness
during totality can also vary. It's not just
about the shade of red, but also about how much
light is actually reaching the moon. This depends
on how centrally the moon passes through the
Earth's shadow, as we talked about earlier. But
it can also be affected by the amount of dust
and clouds in Earth's atmosphere. So even if
two eclipses have a similar shade of red, one
might appear. brighter or dimmer than the other.
Exactly. And it's these subtle variations that
make each lunar eclipse unique and unpredictable.
Right. We can make predictions based on what
we know, but there's always an element of surprise
when it comes to these celestial events. That's
what makes it so exciting. We know the basics,
but there's always something new to discover.
You've got it. And that's what makes astronomy
so captivating. It's a blend of scientific understanding
and pure wonder. Well said. It sounds like we're
in for a real treat with this upcoming lunar
eclipse. Yeah. I can't wait to see what unfolds
and what stories it inspires. Me neither. And
I encourage everyone listening to approach this
event with a sense of curiosity and awe. Observe
the subtle details, contemplate its meaning,
and perhaps even create your own stories and
interpretations. After all, we're all part of
this grand cosmic narrative. Beautifully put.
And with that, I think it's time for us to transition
to our final thoughts on this lunar eclipse extravaganza.
We've traveled through the science, the timing,
photography tips, even delved into those cultural
myths and interpretations surrounding lunar eclipses.
But as we wrap up our exploration of this upcoming
celestial event, I'm left with a sense of awe
and a lingering question. Oh, what's that? Well,
we've talked about how full moons have profoundly
impacted human culture and history. Right. But
I'm curious, how do you think different civilizations
throughout time might have reacted to and interpreted
a total lunar eclipse? That's a fascinating question
to ponder. We touched on some myths and legends,
but there must have been countless ways people
tried to make sense of this phenomenon. Right.
Imagine the ancient Egyptians, with their reverence
for the sun and moon, witnessing the moon seemingly
vanish from the sky, only to reappear in a blood
-red hue. Or think about the Mayans, renowned
for their astronomical knowledge and intricate
calendars. How might they have incorporated a
lunar eclipse into their cosmic understanding?
It's intriguing to consider, isn't it? And it's
not just ancient civilizations. Even today, different
cultures worldwide hold unique beliefs and traditions
associated with lunar eclipses. It reminds us
that we all share the same sky, but view it through
different lenses shaped by our culture, history,
and personal experiences. Beautifully put. As
you witness this total lunar eclipse, I encourage
you to tap into your own sense of wonder and
curiosity, observe the event, contemplate its
meaning, and perhaps even create your own stories
and interpretations. I love that idea, turning
this cosmic event into a personal exploration
of the universe and our place within it. Exactly.
And if you're feeling inspired, we'd love to
hear your thoughts and reflections. Share your
experiences, photos, and insights using hashtag
meteorology matters. Let's weave a virtual tapestry
of awe and wonder as we collectively witness
this celestial masterpiece. What a beautiful
thought. Let's turn this lunar eclipse into a
shared human experience. And remember, even though
the eclipse itself may last only a few hours,
the memories and insights it sparks can stay
with us for a lifetime. So well said. As the
moon begins its journey into Earth's shadow,
let's embrace the darkness, marvel at the celestial
dance, and allow ourselves to be awestruck by
the wonders of the universe. Until next time,
cosmic explorers, keep looking up and never stop
questioning the mysteries of the night sky.