Baton Rouge Reporter

This March 14th, a total lunar eclipse will occur as the Moon passes completely through Earth's umbra. During this event, the Moon will darken gradually and then take on a red hue. The eclipse will be visible throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

In Baton Rouge, the eclipse will be seen in the southwestern sky with the Moon positioned 60° above the horizon at its midpoint.

The total eclipse duration is from 01:26 to 02:31. The partial eclipse phases are between 00:10 and 03:48, based on Baton Rouge time.

Viewing lunar eclipses does not require special equipment. A pair of binoculars can enhance viewing but is not necessary. Unlike solar eclipses, no filters are needed for safe viewing of lunar eclipses.

Lunar eclipses happen when Earth aligns between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. When fully in shadow, the Moon often appears reddish-brown due to sunlight bending around Earth's atmosphere.

These events occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align precisely during a Full Moon. However, because the Moon's orbit is tilted by about 5° relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun, perfect alignment does not happen every month.

An observer on the Moon would see Earth pass slightly aside from directly blocking out the Sun due to this orbital tilt.