Excited about the next big night sky show? The 2025 lunar eclipse is set for March 14, and it’s a total eclipse that will be visible across many parts of the world. If you want to see the Moon turn a deep red, you’ll need to know where and when to look. Below you’ll find the basics, plus some handy tips for a great experience.
From western Africa to the Americas, the eclipse will be fully visible. In North America, the whole event will happen after sunset, so you can watch it from the comfort of your backyard. In Europe and western Africa, the eclipse will start just before moonrise, giving you a dramatic view as the Moon climbs into the sky already in shadow. Areas like eastern Asia and Australia will only see a partial eclipse before the Moon sets.
When Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, it casts its shadow on the lunar surface. The outer part of the shadow, called the penumbra, causes a subtle dimming. The inner, darker part, the umbra, blocks most sunlight, and the Moon takes on a coppery hue because of Earth’s atmosphere scattering the light. The whole process lasts about three to four hours, with the total phase lasting up to an hour.
For the 2025 eclipse, the total phase will start at 03:22 UTC and end at 04:30 UTC. Convert that to your local time zone to know exactly when to set your alarm or grab a blanket.
You don’t need any special equipment to see a lunar eclipse—just your eyes. Unlike solar eclipses, looking at the Moon never hurts your eyesight. However, wearing binoculars or a small telescope can bring out the color and surface details. If you’re using a telescope, make sure it’s stable on a tripod to avoid shaking.
Dress for the weather. Early spring evenings can get chilly, especially in the northern latitudes. Bring a warm jacket, a blanket, and maybe a hot drink to stay comfortable while you wait for the Moon to change.
If you want to capture the eclipse, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens works best. Set your aperture to f/8 or f/11 for sharp detail, and use a low ISO (100‑200) to keep noise down. Start with a shutter speed of 1‑2 seconds and adjust as the eclipse deepens. A steady tripod is a must; even a slight movement will blur the image.
Remember to check your focus before the total phase begins. The Moon’s surface is bright enough to autofocus, but locking focus early avoids hunting later.
People have linked lunar eclipses to all sorts of legends—some thought they were omens, others saw them as a dragon eating the Moon. Modern science tells us it’s just Earth’s shadow, but the dramatic red color still feels magical. In many cultures, a ‘blood moon’ is a sign of change, so you might want to think of it as a fresh start.
Did you know that the next total lunar eclipse after 2025 won’t happen until 2027? That makes this one a rare chance to experience a full red Moon without traveling far.
Mark the date on your calendar, check the local start time, and pick a viewing spot with an unobstructed horizon. If you’re in a city, try a park or a rooftop where street lights won’t wash out the Moon’s color. Bring friends or family—sharing the moment makes it even more memorable.
When the eclipse is over, take a moment to soak in the sky. The Moon will gradually return to its normal brightness, and you’ll have witnessed one of nature’s most reliable spectacles. Enjoy the show!
The spectacular Blood Moon total lunar eclipse will be visible on March 14, 2025, across the Americas. As Earth aligns between the Sun and Moon, the moon will glow red due to the Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight. The event unfolds in four phases, allowing safe naked-eye viewing, with the next North American eclipse slated for 2029.
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