DENVER — Stargazers across the lower 48 states can anticipate a captivating total lunar eclipse scheduled to occur on Thursday night, March 13, 2025, transitioning to early Friday morning, March 14. This celestial event, often dubbed the "blood moon" due to the vivid coppery red hue it casts on the moon, is made possible when the Earth lines up perfectly between the sun and the moon, thereby casting its shadow upon the lunar surface.
According to Ron Hranac, of the Denver Astronomical Society, total lunar eclipses might seem like special events, yet they occur approximately every two and a half years. The last one widely visible from North America happened back in November 2022, adding to the excitement for this upcoming spectacle as the next total lunar eclipse following this will not happen until March 3, 2026.
For viewers hoping to experience the eclipse firsthand, the phases of this event will play out across several hours. The penumbral phase starts around 9:57 p.m. MDT, leading up to the partial phase beginning at approximately 11:09 p.m. MDT. The totality, when the moon is fully immersed within Earth’s shadow, will commence at 12:26 a.m. and conclude around 1:31 a.m. on March 14, 2025.
Ron Hranac explains, "Unlike solar eclipses, where protective eyewear is mandated, lunar eclipses are visible with the naked eye. While binoculars or telescopes may offer clearer views, the event is truly accessible to all interested observers. It can be mesmerizing to watch the Earth's shadow gradually engulf the moon." He expresses the optimal viewing times, highlighting how the partial and total phases offer the best visual experiences for stargazers.
Weather forecasts, unfortunately, could pose challenges for observers. The National Weather Service reported a predicted cloud cover of 44% in Denver around midnight, spiraling concerns about visibility. Danielle Grant, Denver7 meteorologist, warns, “Those in south Colorado may face snow and dense cloud cover preventing clear views during totality.”
Shifting to the southeastern regions of Colorado, skies are expected to be clearer during totality, offering residents there the chance to witness this impressive phenomenon. "If the clouds do not come until the early hours of Friday, it could result in excellent viewing conditions," Grant stated.
Across the United States, the eclipse will be accessible to almost everyone; only the weather will determine visibility. The states spanning North America and parts of South America, along with western Europe and Africa, will have prime viewing conditions throughout the night.
While lunar eclipses are not remarkably rare, they still require favorable conditions for optimum viewing. According to NASA, the subtle reddish glow of the moon during totality occurs due to sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere. Dust and moisture play pivotal roles, with more dust typically resulting in redder moons. "The moon can look particularly stunning against clear night skies, presenting ample opportunity for breathtaking photography," remarked Hranac.
Meanwhile, other regions such as Florida react similarly to the anticipated eclipse. The weather forecast suggests a 40% chance of showers on March 13, primarily impacting the Florida Panhandle, but the situation should improve later at night. Most of the central region of Florida is expected to enjoy partly cloudy skies, allowing for decent observation opportunities.
Individuals watching from Florida should set their alarms for the very early hours of March 14, as the total eclipse will begin at 2:26 a.m. EST, culminating at 3:31 a.m. EST. Regions across Florida have specific timelines for the eclipse, with Boynton Beach showing optimal viewing times around 2:58 a.m. when obscuration might reach 100%.
Public interest remains high as stargazers prepare for the blood moon event, and experts recommend finding dark spots free from city lights for the best possible views. Observers should feel encouraged to gather telescopes, binoculars, and their families for this stellar occasion.
For those unable to witness the lunar eclipse live, NASA plans to stream the event on various platforms, including YouTube and Facebook Watch, enabling millions to share this unique experience virtually.
The ensuing lunar eclipse is not just another spectacle; it invites communities to come together, appreciate the wonders above, and revel under the illuminated sky. Whether through lens or naked eye, this celestial occurrence promises to be both educational and thrilling for viewers across the United States.
So, mark your calendars for the night of March 13-14, 2025, and get ready for something out of this world!