Antarctica will be treated to a stunning celestial event on the night of March 13-14, 2025, with the first total lunar eclipse since 2022. This lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “blood moon,” will last for 65 minutes as the moon drifts into Earth’s shadow, taking on a deep reddish hue. North and South America will have the best views of this event, while observers in Europe may catch a glimpse at moonset, and those in East Asia will witness it as the moon rises. The point of greatest eclipse will be over the Pacific Ocean, providing a memorable sight for skywatchers throughout the Americas.
Unlike a solar eclipse, it is completely safe to look at the moon during a lunar eclipse, which lasts for several hours. The upcoming eclipse is set to occur between 11:57 p.m. and 6 a.m. EDT, with the most captivating part, totality, taking place between 2:26 and 03:31 a.m. EDT. Skywatchers can follow all the action of the lunar eclipse on a live blog, with the eclipse also being streamed live on Space.com. More information on how to watch online will be shared closer to the event.
The total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, will unfold over six hours, featuring a penumbral eclipse, a partial phase, totality, and the reverse sequence. It will be visible across most of the Americas, providing optimal viewing opportunities for those in North and South America, while Europe, Africa, and East Asia will also catch glimpses of this captivating phenomenon. The different phases of the eclipse will be visible to all U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada and Mexico, making it a widespread event for North America.
For Europe, the visibility of the total lunar eclipse may be limited, with locations like Iceland and Greenland having a better view compared to countries like the United Kingdom. In Europe, the moonset will coincide with the beginning of totality, allowing for only a brief sighting of Earth’s shadow across the moon. Cloud cover is an essential factor in visibility, with regions like Southern California, Arizona, and Chile’s Atacama Desert having optimal viewing conditions. In North America, areas in the western parts typically have better chances of clear skies in March compared to the eastern regions.
As skywatchers eagerly anticipate the total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, they can look forward to a captivating display of nature’s beauty. With optimal viewing opportunities across the Americas and glimpses for other regions, this celestial event is set to mesmerize observers worldwide.Mark your calendars for this unforgettable night sky phenomenon of the “blood moon” eclipse.