The vast expanse of space holds endless surprises for us, from meteor showers to planetary alignments, there’s nothing that happens out there that isn’t fascinating to witness. This week, we have another one of those must-see phenomena: a total lunar eclipse or blood moon, that won’t happen again for another four years.
Table Of Contents
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow and completely covering the Moon. This gives the Moon a reddish hue, often called a “Blood Moon,” due to sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere. They can last for several hours and are visible from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon.
Why is the 2025 total lunar eclipse called a Blood Moon?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some light passes through Earth’s atmosphere, turning the Moon red or orange, this is why it’s called a “Blood Moon”, as NASA explains. The color can change depending on dust and pollution in the air.
Where will the 2025 total lunar eclipse will be visible?
The 2025 total lunar eclipse will be visible in most of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. People in these regions will be able to see the Moon turn red during the eclipse. The best views will depend on local weather and timing.
When will the total lunar eclipse be visible in the U.S.?
People in the eastern and central U.S. will see the total lunar eclipse in the early morning, while those in the western U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii will catch it around midnight or just before. In SoCal, the eclipse will be visible from 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to 12:32 a.m. PDT on Friday, March 14. Here are the exact times for the total eclipse in each U.S. time zone:
- Eastern: 2:26–3:32 a.m. EDT (Friday, March 14)
- Central: 1:26–2:32 a.m. CDT (Friday, March 14)
- Mountain: 12:26–1:32 a.m. MDT (Friday, March 14)
- Pacific: 11:26 p.m. (Thursday, March 13) – 12:32 a.m. PDT (Friday, March 14)
- Alaska: 10:26–11:32 p.m. AKDT (Thursday, March 13)
- Hawaii: 8:26–9:32 p.m. HST (Thursday, March 13)
Where to see the total lunar eclipse this Thursday?
Watching the total lunar eclipse is easy since it’s visible to the naked eye, as long as the sky is clear. To get the best view, find a spot with little light pollution, like a park or an open area away from city lights. While you don’t need special equipment, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the details and make the experience even more stunning.
How to stream the total lunar eclipse?
If for some reason you don’t have the night free or can’t go outside to watch it, you don’t have to miss the Blood Moon! It will be streamed live, with the Griffith Observatory hosting a webcast, along with the TimeAndDate website.