Total Lunar Eclipse Next Week Will Turn The Moon Blood Red

It's been a while here in Northern Illinois since we've had anything worthy of spending some time out in the cold to stare up at the sky, but things are about to change next week.

With that in mind, you should think about setting your alarm clock for a really cool celestial show next Tuesday morning, March 3rd, as the full moon takes a predawn ride through Earth’s shadow and transforms into a glowing blood‑red orb.

This total lunar eclipse, sometimes called a “blood moon,” will be visible across much of North America, including right here in Northern Illinois, assuming that the weather feels like cooperating.

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth sits directly between the sun and the moon. Instead of disappearing, the moon glows coppery red as sunlight bends through our atmosphere, which is basically the same effect that makes sunsets colorful. And, because no special glasses are required to view a lunar eclipse, anyone who’s awake and looking up can enjoy the show.

Here's When To Look For The Lunar Eclipse On Tuesday, And What Kind Of Weather We'll Be Dealing With

Sure, you could just sit outside all night and watch all the pregame eclipse stuff, but given our overnight low temperatures, not too many of us are going to be up for that. So, here's the schedule for the lunar eclipse's visit.

• 2:44am: The moon enters Earth’s outer shadow (penumbra).

• 3:50am: Partial eclipse begins.

• 5:04am: Total eclipse begins. This is when that eerie red coloring takes shape.

• 5:30-6:00am: Peak totality, with the most dramatic red glow.

• 6:02am: Totality ends as the moon begins to exit Earth’s shadow.

• 6:20-6:30am: The moon will set in the west just as daylight overtakes the sky.

Because this eclipse happens right around sunrise, the moon will be low on the western horizon during totality, making it especially striking, but also meaning a clear view to the west is a must for people wanting to see it happen.

Now, About That Weather Forecast...

I don't want to waste your time sending you out to see something if the weather is just going to ruin it anyway.

Current weather predictions suggest cool, early‑spring conditions throughout Northern Illinois Tuesday morning. The forecast for Tuesday, March 3rd indicates temperatures in the mid‑20s to low-30s early that morning, with a moderate chance of precipitation, which means that clouds could affect visibility if they build overnight.

Just keep your eye on the forecast for Tuesday as we get closer, so you'll know whether to get out of bed for the show, or roll over and wait for the next lunar eclipse.

Here's more info: