Total Lunar Eclipse 2025: When and How to See the ‘Blood Moon’ Next Week

Next week, an extraordinary astronomical event is set to occur as the Earth positions itself directly between the sun and the moon, resulting in a total lunar eclipse.

During this event, sunlight will filter through the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering and producing a reddish-orange hue on the moon’s surface, a phenomenon commonly known as a “blood moon.”

The total lunar eclipse will take place overnight from Thursday, March 13, to Friday, March 14, and will last for several hours. In contrast to a total solar eclipse, which is only observable along a limited path, this lunar eclipse will be visible throughout all of the contiguous 48 states, allowing skywatchers nationwide to partake in this remarkable occurrence.

Here is all the essential information regarding this upcoming lunar spectacle.

What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse transpires when the Earth positions itself directly between the sun and the moon, resulting in a shadow that entirely envelops the moon’s surface.

As the moon does not emit its own light but rather reflects sunlight, the eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow obstructs that sunlight.

During a blood moon, some sunlight penetrates Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the moon. The atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light, permitting only the longer red and orange wavelengths to pass through. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as a “blood moon,” causes the moon to exhibit a reddish or orange hue. NASA indicates that the presence of dust or clouds in the atmosphere can enhance this red coloration.

What Is the Appearance of a Total Lunar Eclipse?

In contrast to a typical full moon, which reflects sunlight brightly, a total lunar eclipse results in a dimmer moon. Rather than becoming completely dark, the moon adopts a remarkable reddish-orange glow that persists for several hours.

What Is the Duration?

Total lunar eclipses occur over several hours, in contrast to total solar eclipses, which are brief. The forthcoming lunar eclipse is anticipated to last more than three and a half hours, as reported by the National Weather Service.

How Can You Best Observe?

While special equipment is not necessary to observe a blood moon, utilizing binoculars or a telescope can significantly enhance your ability to appreciate the intricate details of the moon. For an optimal viewing experience, it is advisable to select a dark location that is free from the interference of city lights and tall structures such as buildings or trees.

How Rare Are Total Lunar Eclipses?

Total lunar eclipses are not as infrequent as solar eclipses. According to Astronomy magazine, they typically occur approximately every two and a half years. However, their visibility is influenced by factors such as geographic location, weather conditions, and the moon’s position in the sky.

When Is the Next Lunar Eclipse?

The next total lunar eclipse that will be visible in the United States is anticipated to occur on March 3, 2026, as reported by NASA.

Lunar Eclipse vs. Solar Eclipse: What’s the Difference?

A lunar eclipse takes place when Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, resulting in a shadow being cast over the moon. Conversely, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon is situated between the sun and Earth, temporarily obstructing sunlight from reaching our planet.

While total solar eclipses can only be observed from a limited path on Earth, total lunar eclipses are visible from any location on the night side of the Earth.