A total lunar eclipse will occur on the night of 13 March into 14 March 2025 as the Earth aligns between the sun and the moon, casting the latter into shadow. That shadow will, in fact, be more like a red projection as red and orange long wavelength sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere, giving the so-called Blood Moon its reddish hue.
“It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon,” NASA has blogged.
Lunar eclipses are only visible from one half of the Earth. On this occasion, it is stargazers in North and South America who will have the best seats for the 65-minute period of totality, though some in Western Europe may also catch the phenomenon just before sunrise. Although clear conditions are preferable for seeing the celestial event, the more dust or clouds there are in Earth’s atmosphere at the time, the redder the moon will seem. No special equipment or optical protection is needed, so would-be viewers simply need to cast their eyes to the heavens at the following times, according to Space.com:
- Eastern Time (ET): 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. on 14 March
- Central Time (CT): 1:26 a.m. to 2:31 a.m. on 14 March
- Mountain Time (MT): 12:26 a.m. to 1:31 a.m. on 14 March
- Pacific Time (PT): 11:26 p.m. on 13 March to 12:31 a.m. on 14 March
- Alaska Time (AKDT): 10:26 p.m. to 11:31 p.m. on 13 March
- Hawaii Time (HST): 8:26 p.m. to 9:31 p.m. on 13 March
Going out earlier than these times will mean enthusiasts can see the gradual encroachment of the Earth’s shadow as it seems to take bites out of its satellite. The night’s moongazers will also have the chance to see the planets Jupiter and Mars in the western night sky and NASA experts have pointed out that various constellations may be easier to spot than usual thanks to the dimming of the moon’s reflected light.
March’s moon is also known as a Worm Moon – a nickname associated with the coming of spring – as well as Crow Comes Back Moon, Sore Eyes Moon, Sugar Moon, and even Wind Strong Moon. Whatever you call it, the line-up will be the first total lunar eclipse in over two years. After that, the next lunar eclipse in the calendar should take place on 7 September 2025, with viewers in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe best placed for the 22-minute totality. Two others are then in the offing before the end of 2026.
For those who cannot wait for more spaceward action, a partial solar eclipse should be visible between 10 am and midday on 29 March 2025. A solar filter is needed to view that event.
