Today's Complete Moon Prepares for Rare 'Red Lunar Eclipse' Over North America
Gear up, stargazers! The countdown to one of the year's most awe-inspiring celestial events has begun. On the night of Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (specifically at moonrise where you reside), you'll be treated to the mesmerizing spectacle of the "Snow Moon" gracing the eastern horizon in a hue of muted, orangey light[1].
But the real show is only 29 days away. The first total lunar eclipse visible from North America in over two years will grace our night skies on March 14, 2025 - specifically, the third full moon of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, known as the "Worm Moon"[2].
Here's everything you need to know about this remarkable lunar display, happening in less than a month:
What's a "Blood Moon" Total Lunar Eclipse?
This relatively uncommon celestial event occurs when the full moon passes into Earth's shadow, with the Earth positioned between the sun and the moon[2]. Moonlight, being reflected sunlight, dims as Earth blocks it from reaching the lunar surface. At the peak, only light filtered through Earth's atmosphere can reach the moon, causing it to take on a deep reddish hue, often described as blood-red, though it tends to be more pinkish or orangey-red[2].
When Does the "Blood Moon" Total Lunar Eclipse Occur?
March's full moon will reach its peak at 2:56 a.m. EST on Friday, March 14, 2025. Shortly afterward, it will begin its journey through Earth's central umbral shadow in space[2].
The event itself unfolds in three stages: the moon first moves through Earth's penumbral shadow (its outer, softer shadow), then becomes partially eclipsed, and finally enters totality when the entire surface is within the Earth's umbra. This entire process takes place between 03:57 and 10:00 UTC on March 14, 2025, with the most captivating totality phase lasting between 6:26 and 7:31 UTC.
Translating this to North American time zones, totality will occur between 2:26 - 3:31 a.m. EDT, 1:26 - 2:31 a.m. CDT, 12:26 - 1:31 a.m. MDT on March 14, 2025, and 11:26 p.m. - 12:31 a.m. PDT, 10:26 p.m. - 11:31 p.m. AKDT, and 8:26 p.m - 9:31 p.m. HST on March 13, 2025.
Is a "Blood Moon" Total Lunar Eclipse Safe to Watch?
Unlike a solar eclipse, which demands careful viewing through solar filters or eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV light, this lunar spectacle poses no harm. It consists solely of reflected sunlight, making it entirely safe to observe with your naked eye.
The Next "Blood Moon" Total Lunar Eclipse
A second total lunar eclipse will take place in 2025, but it will be invisible to North America[2]. Instead, those in Asia and western Australia will witness the event on September 7-8, 2025.
The Next Solar Eclipse
Following North America's total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, another solar eclipse will occur exactly one lunar year later, on March 29, 2025. This event will be visible from the western Northern Hemisphere, including eastern United States and Canada, where a partially eclipsed sunrise can be observed[2].
As much as 94% of the sun will be obstructed by the moon between 8:50 and 12:43 UTC (4:50 a.m. - 8:43 a.m. EDT). In Europe, the event will only present a relatively minor sight, with a 30% eclipse visible from London.
Stay tuned for the upcoming celestial spectacle! Clear skies and wide eyes await.
[1] space.com[2] timeanddate.com
- The upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025, will be a "Blood Moon" Total Lunar Eclipse, turning the full moon into a deep reddish hue due to Earth's atmosphere filtering the light.
- Mark your calendars for March 14, 2025, as it is when the first total lunar eclipse visible from North America in over two years will occur, known as the "Worm Moon".
- The "Blood Moon 2025" will peak at 2:56 a.m. EST, with the most captivating totality phase lasting between 6:26 and 7:31 UTC.
- If you're not in North America, you might be able to witness another total lunar eclipse in 2025 on September 7-8, but unfortunately, it will be invisible to North America.
- The next solar eclipse after North America's total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will happen exactly one lunar year later, on March 29, 2025. However, it will only be visible as a partially eclipsed sunrise in the western Northern Hemisphere.
