On March 13, 2025, skywatchers across North America were treated to the mesmerizing spectacle of a total lunar eclipse. This event, where the Earth casts its shadow on the moon, transformed the lunar surface into a captivating deep red, popularly referred to as a "blood moon." The eclipse was particularly significant as it followed the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse that had taken place in April 2024 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, leaving residents and visitors in awe during its brief period of darkness.
The eclipse began to reach totality around 3 AM, captivating families who attended the educational event, "Night of the Eclipse: A Cosmic Journey for Families," hosted the previous evening at Bowling Green State University's (BGSU) Planetarium. With a goal to spark curiosity among younger viewers, the event included engaging hands-on activities and educational sessions led by local experts and PBS characters. According to Kate Dellenbusch, BGSU teaching professor and planetarium director, "To see the moon kind of disappear and then become blood red…" encapsulated the sheer wonder of the night.
The event also marked the launch of BGSU's "The Moon Speaker Series," a new interdisciplinary initiative aimed at blending education with the cultural and scientific significance of the moon. This series will not only cover astronomy but also historical and artistic perspectives about our celestial neighbor, making it accessible for the broader community.
In stark contrast to the vibrant events in Bowling Green, astrophotographer Dan Zafra of Capture the Atlas embarked on a more solitary expedition to the Alaskan Arctic to document the rare occurrence. Battling temperatures that plunged to -20°F, Zafra capitalized on the unique synergy of the lunar eclipse and the aurora borealis, famously known for adding its own touch of vibrant illumination to the moon's shadowed form. "The aurora, however, did the opposite—it grew stronger, more vibrant, as if responding to the darkened Moon," he recounted. His careful deployment of three cameras—from a 400mm telephoto lens for detailed shots to a wide-angle setup capturing both the landscape and sky—allowed him to document the ethereal moment with vivid detail.
Though challenges arose during his frigid pursuit, Zafra's determination shone through as he maneuvered his equipment against overwhelming odds. "Chasing the perfect shot often means long nights, frozen fingers, and plenty of challenges," he noted, but the breathtaking results made it all worthwhile.
In the continental United States, the visibility of a lunar eclipse has its own rarity, occurring three to seven times annually, according to NASA; however, this eclipse was especially exceptional due to the additional presence of the auroras. In an attempt to educate the public, the planetarium's events were not just focused on the phenomena of that night but also aimed at emphasizing ongoing cosmic curiosity and engagement. This is reflected in Dellenbusch's invitation for attendees to attend future events at the planetarium, emphasizing the need for an ongoing dialogue about” the wonders of the cosmos.”
As the lunar eclipse unfolded in an enchanting performance, families looking skyward also witnessed the merging of scientific inquiry, artistry, and the broad specter of human experience under the night sky. One image that stood out from the numerous captures that Zafra took was an intimate close-up of the moon during its deep red phase amidst the auroras; it served as an example that transcended typical astrophotography. "This wasn’t just a photo opportunity—it was a front-row seat to one of nature’s rarest performances," he described, capturing the essence of the moment.
Looking forward, the excitement among the astrophysics and astronomy communities continues to build for the next total lunar eclipse, which is set to occur in March 2026, promising another chance for awe and inspiration among millions of viewers across the United States.
With both celestial events, it is clear that the moon's passage can evoke connections far beyond mere observation. It can ignite learning, cultivate ideation, and fuel the curiosity of those inspired to gaze upward, reminding everyone that there is more to explore each time they look at our nearest astronomical companion.
