Residents of Vero Beach and the wider Treasure Coast who enjoy celestial displays should prepare for an early wake-up call this Tuesday, March 3. A total lunar eclipse—often referred to as a “Blood Moon”—is set to occur, though local stargazers may face a race against the rising sun to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.
While the western United States will witness the full spectacle of the “Worm Moon” turning a coppery red, the viewing experience for Florida’s East Coast will be more challenging. According to astronomers, the eclipse coincides closely with the moonset, meaning the event will begin just as the moon approaches the western horizon.
What to Expect on the Treasure Coast
For those in Indian River County, the partial phase of the eclipse is scheduled to begin at 4:50 a.m. on Tuesday. However, the full “blood moon” drama—where the moon is fully immersed in Earth’s shadow and glows red—may be difficult to see before the sun rises and washes out the sky.
Eric Vandernoot, an astronomer at Florida Atlantic University, suggests that while the full reddish hue might be elusive without a perfect vantage point, the initial phases are still worth watching.
“You will need to get up high in the air to see it. People who are in high rises or have a very clear view to the west will have a better chance.” — Eric Vandernoot, FAU Astronomer
Viewing Tips for Vero Beach Residents
If you plan to set your alarm for this predawn event, location is key. Since the moon will be setting in the west, you need an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Why is it Called a Blood Moon?
The term “Blood Moon” refers to the reddish color the moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse. This occurs because Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue light (which has shorter wavelengths) and allows red light (with longer wavelengths) to pass through and refract onto the moon’s surface.
While the upcoming eclipse offers a fleeting show for Florida, the full “Worm Moon”—named for the softening soil of spring—will still be a sight to behold. For a guaranteed view of the full moon without the early alarm, look to the east on Tuesday evening. The moon will rise above the horizon at approximately 6:47 p.m. along the East Coast, offering a stunning, plump appearance.
The next opportunity to view a total lunar eclipse from the United States will not occur until June 26, 2029.
