Study Design and Observation

The eclipse, sometimes called a blood moon, was monitored by astronomers including Dr. C. Alex Young, associate director for science communication at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Observational data were collected from various locations in the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas. The event comprised three stages: penumbral (subtle dimming), partial (partial coverage by Earth’s shadow), and total eclipse, with totality representing full immersion in the shadow.

Key Timing and Viewing Notes

For observers in regions of totality, no specialized equipment is necessary, though binoculars or small telescopes can enhance detail visibility. The penumbral phase began at 3:44 a.m. ET, partial eclipse at 4:50 a.m. ET, and totality peaked at 6:34 a.m. ET, with the event concluding at 9:23 a.m. ET. Visibility depends on local weather conditions, as cloud cover may obstruct observation.

Cultural and Astronomical Context

The March full moon carries multiple traditional names, including the “worm moon” in North America and Europe, reflecting seasonal ecological activity. Indigenous groups near the Great Lakes, such as the Ojibwe, call it the “snow crust moon,” while some Plains tribes refer to it as the “sore eye moon,” linked to sunlight glare on snow.

Future Lunar and Solar Eclipses

Following this lunar event, NASA reports upcoming eclipses in 2026–2027, including a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. Subsequent eclipses include a partial lunar eclipse in August 2027, an annular solar eclipse on February 6, 2027, and a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, spanning Spain, North Africa, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Each eclipse provides opportunities for observational study and public engagement with celestial phenomena.

Limitations and Observational Considerations

Observation of lunar eclipses depends on geographic location, local time, and weather conditions. While the red coloration results from Earth’s shadow filtering sunlight through the atmosphere, variations in atmospheric conditions may affect the hue and intensity of the observed phenomenon.

Broader Context

Total lunar eclipses offer researchers and the public opportunities to observe planetary alignment effects in real time. These events also contribute to long-term studies of Earth-Moon-sun interactions, atmospheric scattering, and cultural astronomy, providing both scientific and educational insights.

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A powerful solar storm is heading toward Earth—and it could bring the northern lights to parts of the U.S. where they’re rarely seen. Thanks to a burst of solar activity earlier this week, skywatchers across a wide swath of the country may be in for a surprise light show Tuesday night.

What’s Causing the Buzz?

The sun released several coronal mass ejections—essentially huge eruptions of solar plasma and energy—that triggered a geomagnetic storm watch from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. If conditions are just right, these bursts could interact with Earth’s magnetic field and produce vibrant aurora displays well beyond their usual range.

Where You Might See the Lights

The auroras, typically reserved for high latitudes, could dip farther south than usual. Here’s where the northern lights might be visible:

• High likelihood: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
• Possible viewing: Northern parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania

Why Are Auroras So Active Right Now?

We’re currently in the peak of the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, which means more frequent and widespread auroras. According to NOAA’s Shawn Dahl, this solar storm activity could continue on and off throughout the year.

Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in 20 years created dazzling displays across the Northern Hemisphere. Even areas like New York City, the U.K., and Germany caught glimpses of the phenomenon.

“This is going to kind of continue off and on throughout the year,” said Dahl.

What Else Do Solar Storms Do?

While auroras are beautiful, solar storms can pack a punch:

• Disrupt power grids
• Scramble GPS and radio communications
• Affect satellites and air traffic control systems

Extreme events in history include an 1859 storm that caused telegraph fires and auroras visible as far south as Hawaii, and a 1972 storm that may have triggered magnetic sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

Unfortunately, space weather isn’t something we can forecast far in advance. Warnings usually come just a few days before impact.

How to Spot the Northern Lights

Want to catch the show? Here are a few quick tips:

• Check the forecast: Visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or use an aurora-tracking app.
• Find dark skies: Head to a location away from city lights—think local parks or nature reserves.
• Watch the clouds: A clear sky is key; even faint auroras can be blocked by cloud cover.
• Use your phone: Sometimes your smartphone camera can pick up colors and details you can’t see with the naked eye.

“Enjoy it,” said NASA’s Kelly Korreck. “It’s this great show… from the sun to you.”

Source: AP News – A strong solar storm heads to Earth. Here’s what to know about northern lights

The post Northern Lights May Be Visible in More U.S. States Tonight appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Get ready for an exciting celestial show this weekend! A partial solar eclipse will grace the skies across parts of Europe, North America, and Africa. As the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, it will appear to “take bites” out of the sun, creating a crescent shape. However, experts caution that this natural spectacle requires serious eye protection—no peeking without proper gear!

This partial solar eclipse will be visible on Saturday, with the best views in the northeastern United States, Greenland, and eastern Canada where the sun will shrink the most. It will also be seen across western Africa, eastern North America, and northern Asia, making it a treat for skywatchers around the globe.

• In the Americas, expect the eclipse to occur during sunrise.
• Western Europe and Africa will get their view in the late morning.
• Eastern Europe and northern Asia will see the eclipse in the afternoon.

The moon will gradually cover the sun, turning it into a crescent as daylight dims—like a cloudy day, but with an otherworldly twist.

While this eclipse won’t bring the total darkness of a total solar eclipse, you still need to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Eclipse glasses are essential! Regular sunglasses won’t cut it—make sure to grab certified eclipse glasses ahead of time from your local science museum or online retailers listed on the American Astronomical Society’s website.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can still enjoy the event safely with indirect methods. Try making a pinhole projector with household materials, or even use a colander to watch the sun’s shape shift on the ground. If you’re near a shady tree, look down at the ground to see natural crescent-shaped shadows filtering through the leaves!

“It’s a beautiful game of light and shadow, played by the sun, moon, and Earth,” says Auriane Egal from the Montréal Planetarium. Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos from the European Southern Observatory adds, “The sky will feel like a particularly cloudy day, though the eclipse will be far from ordinary.”

Clear skies are key to getting the best view of the eclipse, especially if you’re in the Americas, where the eclipse coincides with sunrise. Be sure to check your local weather before heading outside, and try to get to a spot away from tall buildings or city lights for an unobstructed view.

Can’t get enough of eclipses? Don’t worry! Another total lunar eclipse and partial solar eclipse will be happening in September, with the best views in Antarctica and New Zealand.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to safely watch one of nature’s most incredible phenomena this weekend!

Source: AP News – Get ready for a partial solar eclipse across Europe and parts of North America and Africa

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