Don’t Miss the Rare Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse This Week!
Set your alarms and mark your calendars—the night sky is putting on a breathtaking show! Late Thursday night into early Friday morning, a stunning Blood Moon total lunar eclipse will grace the heavens, offering a rare opportunity to witness this celestial marvel.
A Once-in-a-Year Event
This will be the only lunar eclipse visible from the U.S. this year and the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022. The entire spectacle will last about six hours, with North and South America enjoying the best views. However, the eclipse will also be visible across the entire Western Hemisphere.
Why Is It Called a Blood Moon?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow. During this time, the Moon takes on an eerie, reddish hue—thus earning the dramatic name “Blood Moon.” This happens because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, filtering out blue light and allowing only red and orange tones to reach the Moon’s surface.
When and Where to Watch the Lunar Eclipse
If you want to experience this celestial wonder, here’s when to look up, depending on your time zone:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 11:57 PM EDT (8:57 PM PDT) Thursday
- Partial eclipse starts: 1:09 AM EDT (10:09 PM PDT) Friday
- Totality (when the Moon turns red) starts: 2:26 AM EDT (11:26 PM PDT) Friday
- Totality ends: 3:31 AM EDT (12:31 AM PDT)
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:47 AM EDT (1:47 AM PDT)
- Penumbral eclipse concludes: 6:00 AM EDT (3:00 AM PDT)
During totality, the Moon will be bathed in a rich coppery glow—a sight you won’t want to miss!
How to Watch the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special equipment is required to see a lunar eclipse. Simply step outside, find a clear view of the Moon, and enjoy the show. However, if you want to enhance your view, binoculars or a telescope can make the experience even more breathtaking. For the best visibility, head to a dark area away from city lights.
Can’t step outside? No worries! Timeanddate.com will be live-streaming the lunar eclipse starting at 1:00 AM EDT Friday.
March’s Full Moon: The “Worm Moon”
Adding to the excitement, March’s full Moon—known as the Worm Moon—will reach its peak brightness at 2:55 AM EDT Friday. It will appear full for about three days, from Wednesday evening through Saturday morning. According to the Maine Farmers’ Almanac, Native American tribes gave the March full Moon names like the Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon, Sugar Moon, and Worm Moon, each tied to the seasonal changes of early spring.
What’s Next? More Spectacular Eclipses Ahead
- March 29, 2025: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Get your eclipse glasses ready!
- September 21, 2025: Another partial solar eclipse, visible from Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
- September 7, 2025: A total lunar eclipse visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- March 3, 2026: The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
A Night to Remember
The March Blood Moon is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the universe. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or just someone who enjoys gazing at the night sky, this rare and enchanting event is worth staying up for.
So, grab a blanket, find a cozy spot, and prepare to be amazed by the celestial magic unfolding above!