Mark your calendars for the night of March 13 and the early hours of March 14, 2025, when the first total lunar eclipse since 2021 will illuminate the skies. Known popularly as the 'Blood Moon,' this event is generating significant excitement among astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The lunar eclipse will be viewable across the UK, US, and various other global locations, allowing millions of stargazers to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle. According to NASA, the eclipse will begin at 10:57 PM on March 13 and conclude around 5:00 AM on March 14, with totality – the moment when the moon is fully immersed in Earth’s shadow – occurring from 1:26 AM to 2:31 AM, peaking at 1:58 AM.
Dr. Renee Weber, the chief scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, vividly recalls her childhood enthusiasm for lunar eclipses. “I begged my mom to wake me up for a lunar eclipse,” she shared, reflecting on missed opportunities. “Luckily, I’ve had the chance to see a few eclipses as an adult, including the one on January 20, 2019, which I also photographed.”
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon and creating the fiery red hue for which 'Blood Moons' are named. The process results from light filtering through Earth's atmosphere, where shorter wavelengths, like blue and violet light, scatter away, allowing longer wavelengths—predominantly red—to reach the moon’s surface.
The upcoming eclipse has sparked interest among astronomers, with many recommends taking time to gather groups and host viewing parties. “The Moon is a fundamental part of human experience, and sharing this wonder is my passion,” Dr. Weber added, highlighting the continued focus on lunar exploration through NASA’s Artemis missions and other initiatives.
For viewers on the UK’s side, the Royal Greenwich Observatory provides detailed timing for its residents. The eclipse's peak there will be at 6:19 AM on March 14, with the moon entering Earth’s penumbra at 3:57 AM GMT. Many apps, like Sky Tonight, can provide specific details based on geographic location.
What’s exciting about this total lunar eclipse is not only the captivating view but also the astronomical conditions surrounding the event. Starwalk, for example, notes this Blood Moon will be accompanied by a Micromoon, which occurs when the moon is slightly farther away from Earth than usual, potentially making it appear smaller than average—though this difference will likely be subtle.
Viewers can enjoy the eclipse without any specialized equipment. Finding a dark spot away from city lights will offer optimal viewing conditions, with binoculars enhancing the experience. Throughout North America, skies are projected to be clear enough, but there’s still uncertainty about weather conditions. Dr. Weber advised, “With March being known for spring showers, there’s about a 50/50 chance of clear skies.” But the lengthy duration of totality—approximately one hour—offers ample opportunity for glimpsing the lunar event even through scattered clouds.
Historically, total lunar eclipses typically occur every two to three years, and this event has gained additional appeal due to its rarity. The next total lunar eclipse will take place on March 3, 2026, and another partial lunar eclipse is expected later the same year on August 27-28. After this, another total solar eclipse won’t occur until June 2029.
For Floridians along the Treasure Coast, this lunar eclipse is particularly noteworthy. While the region missed the path of totality during the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, it will experience the full view of the Blood Moon on March 13-14, 2025.
Specifically, on the Treasure Coast, the phases of the lunar eclipse will play out as follows: the penumbral phase begins at 11:57 PM, followed by the partial eclipse starting at 1:09 AM, with totality commencing at 2:26 AM. Maximum totality is reached at 2:58 AM, concluding at 3:31 AM before transitioning back to partial and eventually penumbral phases.
These celestial events inspire awe and curiosity about the universe. Observers are encouraged to not only witness the eclipse but to share photos and stories online. Joe Rao, a veteran of 20 lunar eclipses, emphasizes the uniqueness of each eclipse and motivates skywatchers to take note of stellar phenomena during the event.
“No avid skywatcher ever misses a total eclipse of the moon,” he noted, encouraging local astronomy groups to share their activities through schools and media outlets. “This is the perfect opportunity to spark public interest about astronomy and the mysteries of the cosmos.”
The total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, promises to be more than just a visual spectacle; it will serve as another reminder of the wonders and intricacies of our universe, with each viewer witnessing their own unique experience of this great celestial show.