A captivating celestial event is on the horizon, as a total lunar eclipse will grace the night sky on March 13-14, 2025. This striking phenomenon occurs when Earth is directly positioned between the sun and a full moon, causing the moon to take on a distinctive reddish hue. The event will unfold over five stages, spanning from 11:57 p.m. to 6 a.m. EDT (03:57 to 10:00 UTC), offering a spectacular viewing opportunity for those on Earth's night side.
The upcoming eclipse promises a visual spectacle lasting approximately five hours. During this period, the full moon will traverse through Earth's shadow, turning red for an estimated 65 minutes. This transformation is attributed to sunlight refracted through Earth's atmosphere reaching the moon. As shorter wavelengths are filtered out, only long-wavelength, reddish hues illuminate the lunar surface, creating the "blood moon" effect.
Residents of North America and South America are in for a treat, as they will have an excellent vantage point for all phases of the eclipse. For observers in eastern parts of North America, the partial phase begins at 1:09 a.m. EDT on March 14. On the West Coast, this phase commences at 10:09 p.m. PDT on March 13. Those in Alaska and Hawaii will also have an opportunity to witness this celestial wonder.
This total lunar eclipse is a global event occurring simultaneously worldwide, unlike a total solar eclipse, which can only be seen within a narrow path of totality. As such, it will be visible from any location on Earth's night side, offering enthusiasts around the globe a chance to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
The anticipation for this event is heightened as it marks a rare occurrence in 2025. The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled overnight on September 7-8 and will be optimally observed in Asia. However, until then, March's "blood moon" provides a unique viewing opportunity for those eager to experience the full splendor of a total lunar eclipse.
