After last nights blood moon, many skywatchers across the Americas are already wondering when they can catch the next total lunar eclipse. The celestial event, which mesmerized viewers on March 13-14, 2025, is part of the continuing saga of spectacular astronomical occurrences expected this year.
The next total lunar eclipse is set to happen on September 7-8, 2025. This event, though global, will largely be visible from parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. It is expected to last 82 minutes during totality when the lunar surface turns completely red, giving rise to the intriguing term "blood moon." Sadly, for those hoping to witness it from the Americas, it's not possible, as the eclipse will occur when North and South America are on the sunlit side of the Earth.
During the September eclipse, the entire phenomenon, from penumbral to partial phases, will last approximately five hours and 27 minutes. It's anticipated to attract about 4.9 billion people who will see the entire eclipse, with around 7.1 billion witnessing some initial phases.
The lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, saw Earth place itself directly between the sun and the moon, obstructing sunlight and creating the stunning visual effect of the moon glowing red. According to NASA, North and South America, along with the western parts of Europe and Africa, were prime locations to view this surreal spectacle.
For those eager to gaze at the night sky, it’s important to note another notable event on the horizon—the partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025. This will occur when the moon partially obscures the sun, casting its shadow across parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The partial solar eclipse will likely start around 4:50 AM ET and will conclude just before 8:43 AM ET, with the peak happening around 6:47 AM ET.
This eclipse is particularly significant as it marks the first of two solar eclipses occurring within 2025, both of which will be partial. The second one is set for September 21, 2025, again predominantly visible from parts of Australia, Antarctica, and adjacent oceanic regions. These events follow the same structural pattern as total lunar eclipses, being timed closely to significant solar events. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks part of the sunlight from reaching the Earth, unlike the total solar eclipses many might recall from the summer of 2024.
The June 2025 event will see the moon covering as much as 93% of the sun, though specific views will vary according to location. Observers will need to equip themselves with solar eclipse glasses to safely view the event.
North American observers will have to wait until March 3-4, 2026, when the next fully visible total lunar eclipse occurs. This event will be visible from Hawaii, Alaska, and western regions of the United States and Canada. The totality will last for 58 minutes, allowing those on the West Coast to potentially view this extraordinary phenomenon without special equipment.
Understanding these lunar and solar eclipses involves grasping the dynamics of celestial bodies. Eclipses happen when the Earth aligns precisely between the sun and the moon or when the moon positions itself directly between the sun and Earth, as described by astronomers. Unique events like total lunar eclipses carry fascinating nomenclature, attributed to the filtering effect of our atmosphere which gives the moon its reddish hue during totality.
The Saros Cycle—a period lasting 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours—charts these eclipses' predictable patterns, enabling advanced notice of upcoming events. Given the intriguing cycles of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses will continue to surprise and fascinate observers across the globe for generations to come.
For now, all eyes are fixed on families gathered under starlit skies, equipped with telescope or simply enjoying the view. Last night’s blood moon may have drawn crowds across various states, reminding us of the wonders existing just beyond our earthly reach. Light years away, astronomers map the cosmos, eagerly readying for the next celestial show.