A red moon awaits: Total lunar eclipse visible in the Philippines on March 3
Photo from Pixabay
Filipinos will have an opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon,” on the evening of March 3, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
Weather permitting, the eclipse will be visible in Metro Manila and other parts of the country for about 59 minutes and 24 seconds as the Moon passes completely into Earth’s shadow.
According to PAGASA, the Moon will rise at 5:58 p.m. already partially eclipsed, allowing observers to begin viewing the celestial event shortly after moonrise.
The Moon will enter totality at 7:04 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring at 7:34 p.m., when Earth’s umbral shadow will cover 100 percent of the Moon’s disk.
Totality will end at 8:03 p.m., while the Moon will fully exit the umbral shadow at 9:17 p.m.
The eclipse will conclude when the Moon leaves the faint penumbral shadow at 10:25 p.m.
During the maximum eclipse, the Moon is expected to appear reddish, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a Blood Moon.
PAGASA explained that the reddish color occurs when Earth’s atmosphere filters and scatters sunlight, allowing red wavelengths to reach the lunar surface.
The total lunar eclipse will also be visible across Eastern Asia, Australia, Central Pacific, and most parts of the Americas.
Unlike solar eclipses, observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe and does not require protective eyewear.
PAGASA said a modest pair of binoculars may enhance viewing, although the event can easily be seen with the naked eye.