On a clear night, when pollution and clouds are minimal, the moon shines brightly, casting a silver glow across the sky. At times, its light appears softer, with a pale beige or milky white hue, adding a warm, sepia-toned charm to the night.
However, nothing compares to the striking sight of a blood moon, when the evening sky transforms into a deep, rusty-red spectacle.
What Is a Blood Moon?
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow over the lunar surface.
The Moon appears reddish because of a process called Rayleigh scattering, where Earth’s atmosphere filters out shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and violet, allowing only red and orange hues to reach the Moon. This effect is similar to the vibrant colors seen during sunrise and sunset.
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Blood Moon 2025 Date and Time
The total lunar eclipse in March 2025 will be visible across North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa. The entire event will last about five hours, with the total eclipse phase—when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s shadow, lasting approximately 65 minutes.
For skywatchers in the United States, the eclipse begins on March 13 at 11:57 p.m. EST when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbra, causing a subtle dimming effect. The partial eclipse phase starts at 1:09 a.m. EST on March 14, as the Moon moves into the darker umbra, leading to totality.
The total eclipse peaks at 2:26 a.m. EST and ends at 3:31 a.m. EST. The eclipse continues until the Moon completely exits the penumbra at 6:00 a.m. EST.
What Happens During a Blood Moon?
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its darkest shadow (umbra) over the lunar surface.
The Moon appears red because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered, filtering out shorter wavelengths and allowing only red and orange hues to reach the Moon. This is the same effect that creates vibrant colors during sunrise and sunset.
The March 13-14, 2025, total lunar eclipse will last about five hours, with the Moon turning a deep red for 65 minutes during totality. Unlike a solar eclipse, which is visible only from a narrow region, a lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere on Earth’s night side.
This event will be visible across North America, including Alaska and Hawaii, while observers in Western Europe will see the Moon setting in eclipse, and those in Australia and New Zealand will witness it rising in totality.
How to Watch the Blood Moon?
The March 2025 total lunar eclipse will be a must-watch event, coinciding with the full Worm Moon, the last full moon of winter. This will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022 and will be visible across the Western Hemisphere, including North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa.
For viewers in the U.S., all lower 48 states will have a clear view of the eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is visible to an entire half of Earth at the same time.
No special equipment is needed to watch the blood moon, but using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights for a clearer and more vivid sighting of this celestial event.
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Blood Moon 2025 FAQs
Q.1. When will the March 2025 blood moon occur?
Ans. The total lunar eclipse will begin on March 13 at 11:57 p.m. EST and reach totality at 2:26 a.m. EST on March 14, lasting approximately 65 minutes.
Q.2. Why does the Moon turn red during a blood moon?
Ans. The reddish color occurs due to Rayleigh scattering, where Earth’s atmosphere filters out shorter light wavelengths, allowing only red and orange hues to reach the Moon.
Q.3. Where will the March 2025 lunar eclipse be visible?
Ans. The eclipse will be visible across North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa, including the entire U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii.
Q.4. Do I need special equipment to watch the blood moon?
Ans. No, a lunar eclipse is visible to the naked eye. However, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience.
Q.5. How long will the total lunar eclipse last?
Ans. The entire eclipse will span about five hours, with the total eclipse phase lasting 65 minutes when the Moon turns a deep red.
