Total Lunar Eclipse 2025: Sky watchers are in for a celestial treat this week as a total lunar eclipse—popularly known as a “blood moon”—is set to illuminate the night sky on March 13-14. According to NASA, this will be the last total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. until March 2026, making it a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts.
Why Is It Called a ‘Blood Moon’?
A total lunar eclipse (Total Lunar Eclipse 2025) occurs when Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. As the Earth’s shadow engulfs the moon, sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue and green wavelengths, allowing only red and orange hues to reach the moon. This creates the eerie, reddish glow that gives the phenomenon its “blood moon” nickname.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
The total lunar eclipse (Total Lunar Eclipse 2025) will be visible across North America, South America, and western parts of Europe and Africa. In the U.S., skywatchers can start witnessing the celestial event at 12:55 a.m. ET on March 14.
Eclipse Timeline and Phases
The moon will journey through different phases during the eclipse:
Penumbral Phase: The eclipse begins as the moon enters the Earth’s outer shadow, causing a subtle dimming.
Partial Eclipse: The moon gradually moves into the darker, central shadow (umbra), creating a noticeable “bite” effect.
Total Eclipse (Totality): The most breathtaking phase, lasting approximately 65 minutes, when the moon is fully shrouded in Earth’s shadow and glows red.
Exit Phases: The moon slowly moves out of the shadow, returning to its normal appearance.
The entire event, from the first shadowing to full exit, will last 3 hours and 38 minutes.
When Is the Next Lunar Eclipse?
If you miss this one, don’t worry—there will be 14 lunar eclipses from 2025 to 2030, with nine of them visible in the U.S., according to NASA. However, the next total lunar eclipse won’t occur until March 3, 2026.
How to Watch the Eclipse
No special equipment is needed to observe a total lunar eclipse—just a clear night sky and an unobstructed view of the moon. Binoculars or telescopes can enhance the view, but even with the naked eye, the sight of the glowing red moon promises to be a breathtaking spectacle.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness one of nature’s most stunning sky shows!
Trump Questions US-Canada Border Treaty, Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
