Australians have the opportunity to experience a rare ‘blood moon’ this week, marking the first occurrence of such an event in nearly three years. This captivating astronomical spectacle will take place on Friday evening, March 14, where the moon will briefly glow red for a dramatic effect. Visibility spans the entire country, but observers should be prepared to catch this fleeting moment, as the intense hue won’t last long.
A blood moon is essentially a total lunar eclipse, a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, obstructing direct sunlight from illuminating the moon’s surface. Despite this blockage, some light still reaches the moon through the Earth’s atmosphere, which appears red or orange. This occurs because only the longer wavelengths of light can navigate through the atmosphere without scattering, resulting in the deep, warm tones that characterise a blood moon.
While the term ‘blood moon’ is not a scientific classification, it is widely used to describe total lunar eclipses, which create the striking visual effect of a red-tinged moon. Total lunar eclipses are less frequent than penumbral or partial ones, with the last blood moon witnessed in Australia back in November 2022. Following the March 14 event, the next total lunar eclipse in Australia is expected on September 7 and 8, 2025.
Lunar eclipses can occur quite often, yet total lunar eclipses are relatively rare. They provide a unique opportunity for safe viewing without the need for protective glasses, as opposed to solar eclipses. On the night of March 14, the duration of the blood moon will range from 55 to 80 minutes; however, significant portions of the eclipse may occur before the moon rises in many capital cities.
For those aiming to catch the blood moon, the ideal viewing time coincides with moonrise. Here are the expected moonrise times for several capital cities in Australia:
– Sydney – 7:13 PM
– Melbourne – 7:40 PM
– Brisbane – 6:04 PM
– Canberra – 7:22 PM
– Adelaide – 7:35 PM
– Darwin – 7:02 PM
– Hobart – 7:32 PM
To enhance your viewing experience, seek a high vantage point away from artificial light for the best view of the moon as it rises. Although darker locations free from visual obstructions are preferred, the blood moon will still be visible from most major urban areas.
In summary, this week presents an exhilarating chance for Australians to witness the captivating sight of a blood moon, combining celestial wonder with the thrill of nature’s phenomena, which is too rare to miss.