March 2025's Total Lunar Eclipse: Viewing Tips for the Upcoming Blood Moon
Excitement is building as the March 2025 total lunar eclipse approaches, offering skywatchers a chance to witness the mesmerizing Blood Moon. This celestial event, taking place from March 13 to 14, is a can't-miss spectacle for anyone in the Western Hemisphere. Regions like the Americas, Australia, and more will have a front-row seat to nature's light show.
When and Where to Watch
The total lunar eclipse kicks off at 1:26 a.m. ET on March 14. For around an hour, from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. ET, the Moon will be fully immersed in Earth's shadow, painting it a haunting red-orange. This period, known as totality, is where the magic happens. Observers on the U.S. West Coast should mark 11:30 p.m. PT on March 13 on their calendars for totality's start. The spectacle wraps up by 4:32 a.m. ET.
The best spots for viewing tips? The central Hudson Valley, just north of New York City, is poised to offer stellar views, assuming the sky remains clear. While many parts of the Americas will enjoy an uninterrupted show, cloudy skies might play spoilsport in the Northeast U.S. For those experiencing bad weather, FOX Weather plans to broadcast the event online.
Understanding the Blood Moon Mystery
Now, what's all this about a Blood Moon? As Earth's shadow envelops the Moon, sunlight bends through our atmosphere, scattering blue light and letting through only reddish shades. This creates the iconic coppery glow that makes the Moon look like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
Interestingly, the upcoming March full moon has its own history. Known as the Worm Moon, March's full moon speaks to the turning of seasons, a reminder that spring isn't far behind.
No fancy tech is needed to see the eclipse. Just find a spot with a clear sky and enjoy the universe's free visual art. If you miss it, don't worry. The next total lunar eclipse won't be until June 2029, but you'll still catch some other partial eclipses and other celestial events along the way.