When to See a Lunar Eclipse (and Other Cosmic Events) in March
March is not the most exciting time of year for casual sky watching, although there are two notable events: a total lunar eclipse in the middle of the month and a partial solar eclipse at the end. There are other reasons to go outside and look up. This is what you are looking for.
March 13–14: Total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon).
Late on March 13, the entire Moon will fall into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, resulting in a total lunar eclipse across the entire Western Hemisphere. Due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon—and the filtering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere between them—the Moon will appear red or orange, which is why it is also called a Blood Moon.
A partial eclipse will begin just after 1 a.m. ET on March 14 when the Moon begins to enter Earth’s shadow, and a total eclipse is expected between 2:26 a.m. and 3:31 a.m. ET.
NASA notes that Jupiter and Mars will also be visible in the western sky that night, and constellations may appear brighter as the Moon dims throughout the event. For the perfect viewing experience, go somewhere with dark skies.
March 29: Partial solar eclipse.
Eclipses occur in pairs , and the pair culminates in a partial solar eclipse on March 29 , which can be seen from northeastern North America, northwest Africa, and much of Europe. Most US viewers will miss the event as only a small portion of the sun will be hidden in New England, with maximum illumination seen in the northernmost parts of Canada and Greenland.
However, early risers on the East Coast will be able to see the Moon take a bite out of the Sun before sunrise as the partial eclipse is already underway. The event is expected to begin around 3:50 a.m. ET and end at 7:43 a.m. ET.
Visibility of the planet
Visibility of the planet in March is quite good after a spectacular parade of planets in February. Venus will be low in the western sky just after sunset for the first two weeks, and Mercury will be visible just below that for about half an hour. Mars will be in the east after sunset until about 3 a.m., and Jupiter will be visible in the west at night until about 1 a.m.
Zodiacal light
Finally, although there won’t be any meteors until the Lyrids arrive in April, early spring is a great time to view the zodiacal light . What appears to be a lingering twilight is actually thought to be sunlight reflecting off dust in the solar system. The phenomenon, which appears as a hazy light emanating from the horizon, is easiest to see around the equinox (March 20), but will be visible throughout the spring as the moon darkens.