March 25 Lunar Eclipse & April 8 Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know

Solar EclipsePhoto byMathew SchwartzonUnsplash

A lot of attention has come to the solar eclipse happening on April 8. Not so much can be said for the lunar eclipse which occurs on March 25. While both events are worth noting, one of them will make more of an impact.

Lunar Eclipse

The March 25th penumbral lunar eclipse is a subtle event. It is called penumbral because it is partially illuminated between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light of the Moon. For North and South America, the eclipse will begin on the night of Sunday, March 24th peaking around 2:00 AM Central Daylight Time Monday, March 25th.

The lunar eclipse likely won't be quite noticeable, unless compared to the Moon's earlier appearance. A slight dimming in its brightness may be detected.

Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely blocks the sun for a brief period. Observers within a narrow path will experience near-darkness for a few minutes during totality.

The path this eclipse will take involves traveling across 14 states as well as parts of Mexico and Canada. According to NASA, it will enter the US over Texas, and then trace a path across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, before crossing over Canada.

The maximum solar eclipse will occur at 1:17 PM CDT. Viewers outside the path will still see a partial eclipse where the Sun appears significantly dimmed.

How to Observe a Celestial Eclipse

A lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye from anywhere on Earth where the night sky is clear. Those in the path might camp out in the backyard to monitor the movement.

A solar eclipse, on the other hand, can burn the retina if viewed without protection. Many businesses and organizations hand out free solar viewers before a solar eclipse to make viewing possible while slipping in an advertisement. Solar viewing glasses can also be ordered online.

Cultural Significance of an Eclipse

In some cultures, an eclipse is seen as an omen or sign of change. Others, associate them with major events like earthquakes or floods. There is no scientific evidence to support such claims.

Whatever the case, eclipses are awe-inspiring events for sky-watchers around the world.