Cleveland Skywatchers Prepare for a Stunning ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse Tonight

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland residents will have a rare opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse overnight between March 13 and 14, with the full “Blood Moon” reaching its peak at 3:26 a.m. local time. The event, which last occurred in the U.S. nearly two years ago, will turn the Moon a deep red as it passes through Earth's shadow.

Astro Alexandra, a popular astronomy content creator on TikTok, explained why the Moon takes on its eerie red color during this event. "The sunlight's gonna reach Earth, and our atmosphere is gonna scatter all of the blue light, which is why the sky is blue. And the red light is gonna keep traveling, which means it's basically a giant sunset on the Moon," she said.

Best Places to Watch in Cleveland

For the best viewing experience, Clevelanders should head to areas with minimal light pollution. Here are some of the top spots:

• Edgewater Park – With a wide-open sky and a clear view over Lake Erie, this is one of the best locations for eclipse watchers.

• Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation – This area provides a darker environment away from city lights.

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park – About 30 minutes south of downtown, this national park offers a nearly light-free experience, ideal for stargazing.

• The Observatory Park in Montville Township – One of Ohio’s designated dark-sky parks, this location offers the best conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.

How to Watch the Lunar Eclipse in Cleveland

No special glasses are required to watch the eclipse, unlike a solar eclipse. However, NASA recommends using binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view of the Moon's surface. Those planning to stay out late should dress warmly, as Cleveland’s March nights can be chilly.

The total eclipse will begin at 3:26 a.m. Eastern Time on March 14, but the partial eclipse will start earlier, around 2:00 a.m. The entire event will last several hours, but peak viewing will be between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m.

Astro Alexandra emphasized the rarity of this event, noting, “A total lunar eclipse is only seen from any one location on average about every two and a half years. Happy moon gazing!”

For those who miss this one, the next total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7, but it will only be visible in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Clevelanders will have to wait until March 14, 2025, for another total lunar eclipse visible from the region.

So, set your alarms, grab a blanket, and find a dark spot to enjoy one of the most mesmerizing celestial events of the year.

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