On Friday, March 14, the first total lunar eclipse visible in North America since 2022 will take place.
A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event in which the Earth moves in between the moon and the sun to then cast its shadow over the moon. This causes the moon to become dimmer than usual and adds a red tint. In addition to being a rare event, happening intermittently every few years, lunar eclipses are only visible to half the Earth each time, making it a worthwhile spectacle for many, even those uninterested in astronomy.
Grey Ardon-Lindquist, an Enloe sophomore and president of Enloe’s Astronomy Club, highlights the excitement around this event and gives advice on how to effectively view the eclipse.
“Lunar eclipses are easy to see as you can look at them with the naked eye, [but] if you want to see it even better, you can use binoculars or a telescope!” says Ardon-Lindquist.
The eclipse will reach totality from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m., but it’s possible to view the partial eclipse earlier or later in the night. Partial eclipses consist of just part of the moon having the “blood moon” red tint.
Ardonn-Lindquist states the best viewing places are in areas with as little light pollution (such as street lights, city lights, etc.) as possible, with a clear view of the sky. Some examples of places to visit during the event are Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park, Cary’s Davis Drive Park or anywhere in your house with a direct view of the sky.
Dorothea Dix Park:
To get the best views, parks like Dorothea Dix can be the best meeting point. With over five fields and hills, Dorothea Dix offers lots of space in hammocks and swings to stargaze with views of the sky to enjoy.
Davis Drive Park:
If you live in Cary or Dorothea Dix Park is too far, a good alternative is Davis Drive Park. As a large area with plenty of trails and few trees, this place is another fitting location for eclipse viewing.
If you don’t want to make the trip, you can always admire the eclipse from the top of your driveway or simply out of your bedroom window. To learn more about lunar eclipses, visit the Astronomy Club’s meeting this Thursday, March 13 in Ms. Shotwell’s room, 1403. Start aligning your viewing plans if you want to see this year’s lunar eclipse. Time is waning!
