This Friday we will experience a lunar eclipse: when and how can you see the 'Blood Moon'?

GenevaThis Friday, March 14, a lunar eclipse will affect the entire Iberian Peninsula. It will occur early in the morning, and in Catalonia we will see it as a partial eclipse: this means we will be able to enjoy what is popularly known as the "Blood Moon." Due to the darkness cast by the Earth's atmosphere on the satellite, it takes on a reddish hue, creating spectacular images.

It's been almost three years since we've experienced a lunar eclipse like this. In fact, the phenomenon will be visible in much of the world, but depending on the area, we may see it partially or completely. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun. If the alignment is precise enough, our planet's shadow is projected onto the surface of the satellite, darkening it until it becomes disappearWhen the eclipse is partial, however, a 'Blood Moon' occurs.

Where and when to see the lunar eclipse in Catalonia

This astronomical phenomenon will be visible from all over Catalonia. However, we'll need to get up early to enjoy it. It will begin a few minutes before 5:00 a.m. on the 14th and reach its maximum shortly after 7:00 a.m. From then on, the Moon will almost completely disappear until the eclipse ends at 8:30 a.m. In much of the country, the Earth's shadow will cover more than 60% of the Moon's surface. In the regions of Lleida and Tarragona, this figure will reach nearly 80%. It's important to remember that no special protection is required to observe this eclipse.

The astronomical phenomena that accompany the beginning of spring

The lunar eclipse won't be the only phenomenon we'll experience in March. On the 29th, around noon, a partial solar eclipse will occur, visible from anywhere in Catalonia. This occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the star, so the moon's shadow is projected onto our planet's surface. The occultation of the Sun causes the amount of light received by the Earth to be reduced, either partially—when only a fraction of the Sun is covered—or totally—when the Sun's surface is completely hidden behind the lunar circle.

The Moon's passage in front of the Sun will begin around 11:00 a.m. on March 29, reaching its maximum approximately ten minutes before noon. Once again, the most noticeable effect will be observed from the western regions, as our satellite will occult nearly 16% of the Sun's disk.

With the arrival of spring, the planetary alignment, or planetary parade, that began at the beginning of the year will be with us for a few more weeks. We'll be able to see some of the solar system's planets during the early evening and nighttime hours. Although Saturn won't be visible until May, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars will still shine brightly in the night sky. Venus will be visible, as usual, at sunset, although it will no longer be visible from the second half of March onwards. Jupiter, for its part, will still shine brightly during the early evening hours in the constellation of Taurus. Little by little, the light of the night will embrace it. Finally, Mars can be seen from early evening as an orange dot crossing the constellation of Gemini.

But if we have the help of binoculars or a telescope, we can also find Uranus, with a bluish hue, and Neptune, although much lower in the sky. To observe them, it's best to find a location away from cities, with little light pollution. It's important to keep in mind that the seven planets won't be visible in the same way again for another four centuries—specifically, until the year 2492.

Total solar eclipse in the summer of 2026

Although partial solar eclipses are relatively common, total eclipses occur less frequently. However, August 12, 2026 will offer us the opportunity to witness a magnificent total solar eclipse that will be visible from southern Catalonia and the Valencian Community.