Throughout the weeks and months, we see the sun by day and the moon by night. But a few times each year, they line up along with Earth to produce spectacular solar and lunar eclipses. We do not see an eclipse each month because of the Moon’s slight tilt in its orbit around the Earth. Sometimes the bright full moon appears above Earth’s shadow projected in space, while in other months it is located below the shadow. When the alignment is just right, the Moon slips into this cone of darkness.
This celestial dance will play out in the early morning of March 3. The eclipse will be seen in its entirety from the Pacific and Mountain time zones, whereas farther east, the moon will set before the entire show is over. A lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe and enjoy as the full Worm Moon slowly turns a darker orange as sunlight bends through our atmosphere, like a red sunset. This is in stark contrast to the Feb. 17 annular solar eclipse, where special eclipse glasses were needed. Fear not, only the penguins would have seen it over Antarctica.
While the eclipse is underway and on any clear night for that matter, check out the brilliant planet Jupiter high in the sky and sets around 4 am. Then there is Orion the Hunter and other brighter winter constellations. Today’s cell phone apps will help guide you through the starry shapes.
The path of totality for the next solar eclipse occurs on Aug. 12 stretching from Greenland down through Spain best view during ocean cruises. The sun will be covered for a few minutes depending on where you are. On the night of Aug. 27 into the morning of Aug. 28, North America will witness a partial lunar eclipse. During mid-eclipse 96% of the moon will be immersed in the Earth’s shadow.
Pacific:
Mountain:
Central:
Eastern:
Atlantic:
Newfoundland & Labrador:
Clear skies,
Gary Boyle
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer.” Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker and monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as past president of the Ottawa Centre of the RASC. He has been interviewed on more than 50 Canadian radio stations as well as television across Canada and the US. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Twitter: @astroeducator, Facebook and his website: wondersofastronomy.com
