Residents in Sun Country and across the nation were treated to a spectacular sight on the early morning of March 14, 2025, as they witnessed a total lunar eclipse, popularly referred to as the Full Worm Blood Moon. This was the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, making it a much-anticipated astronomical event for many.
The total eclipse reached its peak at around 2:30 a.m., giving dedicated sky watchers just a few moments to appreciate the remarkable display of the moon turning into an eerie blood-red hue. For those who were willing to stay up late or rise early, the celestial phenomenon offered a vivid reminder of the wonders of the universe.
NASA explains that the “blood red” color is a result of the same atmospheric scattering effects that color our sky blue and our sunsets red. Although sunlight may appear white, it is composed of a full spectrum of colors. Blue light, which gives the sky its blue appearance, scatters easily as it travels through the Earth's atmosphere. Conversely, reddish light journeys through the atmosphere without scattering as much, leading to the dramatic transformation of the moon's appearance during a total lunar eclipse.
A NASA webpage notes, “When the Sun is high on a clear day, we see blue light scattered throughout the sky overhead. At sunrise and sunset, when the Sun is near the horizon, incoming sunlight travels a longer, low-angle path through Earth’s atmosphere to observers on the ground. The bluer part of the sunlight scatters away in the distance (where it’s still daytime), and only the yellow-to-red part of the spectrum reaches our eyes.” This atmospheric filtering explains the reddish-orange hue of the moon during a lunar eclipse; only the light that is not blocked by the Earth and passes through a thick slice of Earth’s atmosphere reaches viewers.
While partial lunar eclipses can occur up to three times per year, this March lunar spectacle is a significant reminder of our cosmos's wonders. The next total lunar eclipse to be observed in Minnesota is anticipated to occur on March 3, 2026, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
For many, the experience of witnessing the total lunar eclipse was awe-inspiring. Astronomers and enthusiasts alike flocked outdoors to see the moon bathed in red, snapping photos and sharing their experiences on social media, making it a collective moment of joy in the face of nature's splendor.
The Full Worm Blood Moon not only highlights natural beauty but also reminds us to pause, look up, and appreciate the universe beyond our everyday hustle and bustle. The spectacle sparked conversations about the celestial events, inspiring both casual observers and seasoned stargazers to deepen their connections with astronomy. This unique occasion was a grand opportunity for individuals to gather, share knowledge, and discuss the myriad wonders of the night sky.
So, while the experience could only last for a short time during the early hours of March 14, it left an indelible mark on the hearts of those lucky enough to see it. As we await the next total eclipse in 2026, one can only hope to find more occasions to marvel at the beauty of the cosmos and the science that explains its phenomena.
