Where to view the total lunar eclipse in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As a total lunar eclipse approaches this week, there are several spots that Virginians can visit to catch the planetary phenomenon.

According to a NASA, a total lunar eclipse will occur from the night of Thursday, March 13 into the morning of Friday, March 14, and will be visible throughout the Western Hemisphere (North and South America).

Two Virginia State Parks will be hosting viewing events for people to watch the eclipse with less light pollution than there might be in more metropolitan areas.

Natural Bridge State Park -- an International Dark Sky Park -- is hosting a viewing event on March 14 from 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. at the Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot, located at 6477 South Lee Highway.

This event will be led by park rangers, and participants will have the opportunity to look at the eclipse and surrounding nebulae through a telescope. There will be a 10-minute hike to get up to the hill where the event is taking place.

Individuals with mobility issues can partake in a free wagon ride up the hill, but pre-registration is required. The event itself is free, but there is a $5 parking fee for each vehicle. For more information, and to register, click here.

For those in the more southern part of the state, Staunton River State Park will be hosting a viewing event from 11 p.m. on March 13 to 6 a.m. on March 14. People can gather in the park's observational field to view several phases of the eclipse throughout the night.

This is a self-guided event, as there will not be a ranger present. For more information, click here.