The first total lunar eclipse to be visible from North America since 2022 will occur on March 13-14, … [+]
Associated Press
The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year: a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025. This rare occurrence, often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” marks the first time North Americans will witness such an event since November 7, 2022.
As the year unfolds, February sets the stage with the captivating rise of the Snow Moon. Dusk on Wednesday, February 12, will treat skywatchers to the stunning sight of the full moon rising in a muted orange glow. While breathtaking, March’s worm moon will bring even more excitement with its dramatic transformation into a lunar eclipse.
Understanding the Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes entirely through Earth’s shadow. The moon’s usually bright appearance dims as it travels through the Earth’s umbra, the central and darkest part of our planet’s shadow. Sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere gives the moon a crimson hue, hence the term “Blood Moon.”
However, the color can vary widely, ranging from deep red to orange or brownish pink, depending on the amount of dust and particles in the atmosphere at the time of the eclipse.
An animated map showing where the March 13-14, 2025 lunar eclipse is visible. Contours mark the edge … [+]
NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
When to See the Blood Moon Eclipse
The worm moon will become full at 2:56 a.m. EST on Friday, March 14, 2025, marking the third and final full moon of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Shortly after, it will begin its journey through Earth’s shadow.
The entire eclipse process unfolds from 03:57 to 10:00 UTC on March 14, 2025. Totality, when the entire moon is engrossed in Earth’s umbra, spans from 06:26 to 07:31 UTC, lasting about 65 minutes.
For viewers across different time zones in North America, here are the key times:
- 2:26 to 3:31 a.m. EDT
- 1:26 to 2:31 a.m. CDT
- 12:26 to 1:31 a.m. MDT
- 11:26 p.m. to 12:31 a.m. PDT on March 13-14, 2025
- 10:26 p.m. to 11:31 p.m. AKDT on March 13, 2025
- 8:26 p.m. to 9:31 p.m. HST on March 13, 2025
The Moon moves right to left, passing through the penumbra and umbra, leaving in its wake an eclipse … [+]
NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
Is the Blood Moon Eclipse Safe to Watch?
Absolutely, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch. Unlike solar eclipses, which require special protective eyewear for certain stages, lunar eclipses are visible with the naked eye. You can marvel at the moon’s transformation without any concerns about eye damage.
Next Blood Moon Eclipse: September 7-8, 2025
The excitement doesn’t stop with March’s Blood Moon. Another total lunar eclipse will follow on September 7-8, 2025. While this event won’t be visible in North America, skywatchers in Asia and western Australia will have a chance to witness it.
Upcoming Solar Eclipse: March 29, 2025
Less than a month after the March Blood Moon, another celestial phenomenon awaits: a solar eclipse on March 29, 2025. This event, occurring nearly one lunar year after April 8, 2024, will provide those in the western Northern Hemisphere, including parts of the United States and Canada, with an awe-inspiring opportunity to see a partially eclipsed sunrise.
The eclipse will block up to 94% of the sun from viewers in some locations, though the visibility varies. European viewers may catch a partial eclipse, with a 30% solar blockage viewable from London.
The sun is seen covered by the moon during a partial solar eclipse on January 4, 2011 in Dinslaken, … [+]
Getty Images
Get ready to witness the magic of these cosmic events as they light up the night sky!
Stay tuned for more updates on these astronomical wonders and plan your eclipse-viewing sessions accordingly!
If you have any questions or excited comments about the upcoming eclipses, feel free to share them below. We’re here to help and engage with our community of astronomy enthusiasts!
