Catch The Lunar Eclipse And Its Blood Moon Magic

If you’re someone who loves those quiet, magical moments when the rest of the world is still asleep, you might want to set your alarm a little earlier on March 3rd.

We’re getting a lunar eclipse in the early morning hours, and while folks out west will get the full show from start to finish, here in Central Minnesota, we’ll catch a really beautiful portion of it before the moon slips below the horizon.

FULL 'WORM MOON' WILL TRANSFORM DURING A TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

There’s something about standing outside before sunrise in Minnesota. It’s quiet. It’s cold (because we live in Minnesota), and the sky just feels bigger somehow. On March 3rd, the sky will be putting on a show as the full “Worm Moon” slowly transforms during a total lunar eclipse.

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WHAT THE HECK IS A 'WORM MOON'

Now, if the term “Worm Moon” makes you raise an eyebrow, you’re not alone. It’s the traditional name for the March full moon, which happens when the ground begins to thaw and, yes...earthworms start to reappear. A little reminder that spring is on the way, even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet.

THE TIMELINE OF EVENTS FOR OUR LUNAR ECLIPSE VIEWING

The eclipse begins at 3:50 a.m. That’s when the Earth’s shadow first starts to creep across the moon. At first, you might not even notice it unless you’re really paying attention. It’s like a small dark “bite” has been taken out of the moon.

But give it a little time.

Slowly...as the minutes pass, that shadow grows, and the moon starts to dim.

By 5:33 a.m., we reach what’s called the “mid eclipse.” This is the moment when the moon is deepest in Earth’s shadow, and this is where things get really cool.

OTHER STORIES: Don’t Miss The Evening Sky’s Planetary Parade February 28th

A BEAUTIFUL ORANGE GLOW INSTEAD OF DARKNESS

Instead of disappearing completely, the moon turns this deep, glowing orange…sometimes even a coppery red. It’s often called a “blood moon,” but don’t let that dramatic name fool you. What you’re actually seeing is sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere and filtering onto the moon. It’s the same reason we get those stunning red and orange sunrises and sunsets.

Basically, every sunrise and sunset happening on Earth at that moment is being projected onto the moon.

Kind of incredible when you think about it.

WHEN WILL THE MOON SET?

Now here’s where our Central Minnesota vantage point adds a little twist. The moon will set at 7:10 a.m., which means we won’t see the entire eclipse from start to finish. As the final stages unfold, the moon will be dipping lower and lower in the western sky until it disappears below the horizon.

But honestly, that might be the best part.

Watching the eclipsed moon slowly sink as the sky begins to lighten? That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you. It’s peaceful, a little surreal, and it feels like you’re in on something not everyone else is awake to see.

NO SPECIAL GLASSES ARE NEEDED FOR THIS LUNAR ECLIPSE

The best part about a lunar eclipse is how easy it is to enjoy. No special glasses, no telescopes required. You can step outside in your pajamas, coffee in hand, and just look up. Of course, if you do have binoculars or a telescope, you’ll get an even better view, but they’re definitely not necessary.

THE MINNESOTA WILD CARD

The biggest wildcard, as always in Minnesota, is the weather. Clear skies will make all the difference. If the clouds cooperate, we’re in for a pretty unforgettable morning.

So if you’re debating whether it’s worth losing a little sleep over, at least set an alarm for that mid-eclipse around 5:33 a.m. Even catching a glimpse of that glowing orange moon before it sets will be worth it.

And hey, if nothing else, it’s a pretty beautiful way to welcome a March morning, with a quiet reminder that longer days, warmer weather, and spring are slowly on their way.

Just maybe grab a coat. Yeah...Definitely grab your coat...and some gloves.

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