The Western Hemisphere will be treated to a dusty red moon during a total lunar eclipse on late Thursday night into early Friday morning, depending on the time zone. Colorado and the rest of the United States will have a fine view of the blood moon eclipse, as well, and unlike our recent brushes with the Northern Lights, the entire state will be able to see this color-changing phenomenon in the night sky.
Here's what to know as the blood moon approaches.
What's Happening in the Sky?
This is the first total lunar eclipse in three years. A total lunar eclipse occurs during a syzygy (it's pronounced "sizijē"), or when the sun, earth and moon align in a straight line, with the earth in the middle. When the moon moves into the darkest part of the earth's shadow, the eclipse and red moon will occur.The red moon is also called a "blood worm moon" because of its color and the time of year; farmers call a full moon in March a "worm moon," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
When Will the Eclipse and Red Moon Appear in Colorado?
Coloradans will have to stay up late to see the eclipse and blood worm moon this week. Predictions show the eclipse beginning at 12:26 a.m. MDT on Friday, March 14, with totality lasting just over an hour. However, a partial eclipse is expected to start around an hour and fifteen minutes before the total eclipse.Where's the Best Place to See the Eclipse in Colorado?
Unlike recent meteor showers and brushes with the Aurora Borealis, all of Colorado will be exposed to the lunar eclipse and blood worm moon early Friday morning. For an unobstructed view of everything, follow our timeless motto: the higher, the better.Or try a couple of these spots featured in our best views of Denver's skyline.
