A total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, will see the full moon go reddish for 65 minutes. … [+]
North America’s most spectacular lunar eclipse by 2029 is now just a few days away. Destined to appear as a “blood moon” for 65 minutes for anyone in North America with clear sky, total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, should not be missed.
Here are nine things you need to know to understand and enjoy this rare, dramatic and spectacular eclipse of the moon.
1. What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, throwing its shadow on the lunar surface. The moon passes through the Earth’s Umbra, the darkest part of its shadow and gets a reddish color because of the sunlight bowing through the Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon is why it is often called “blood moon”.
2. Why does the moon turn red?
The reddish colors (including orange and pink) are caused by Rayleigh distribution, the same process that makes the sunset appear red. The Earth’s atmosphere filters shorter wavelengths such as blue and purple, refractioning the length of longer red and orange waves towards the moon. The correct shade depends on the atmospheric conditions, including the dust and cloud cover. Smoke from fires in the atmosphere can give the eclipsed moon a dark reddish color. We will have to wait and see what colors are transferred.
East Day Time (EDT). The moon moves right to left, passing through penumbra and umbra, … [+]
3. When will it happen?
The eclipse occurs overnight on March 13-14, 2025. The main times for the most dramatic phase, known as a whole, are:
- Eastern Time Area: 2:26 AM to 3:32 AM EDT on March 14th.
- Pacific -era area: 11:26 PM PDT on March 13 to 12:32 AM PDT on March 14.
Make sure you set an alarm to capture this look once in a lifetime.
4. Where can you see?
The eclipse will be visible throughout North and South America. All nearby American states and all Canadian provinces will have a clear view of the whole event, allowing the weather. Alaska and Hawaii will only lose the beginning of the initial penumbral phase of the eclipse. Western Europe will see that the fully eclipsed moon, while New Zealand will see it grow in its entirety.
5. Why is this eclipse special?
This total lunar eclipse is the first visible from North America since November 2022. It will also be the last visible across the continent by 2029, making it a rare opportunity for skywatchers. With the whole that lasts 65 minutes, it is a must.
6. How long does eclipse last?
The whole eclipse includes 366 minutes (just over six hours), from the moon entering the Earth’s pencil to leave it. Totality itself, when the moon is entirely in Umbra, lasts about 65 minutes. This long duration will allow a lot of time to observe and photograph the event.
7. Which devices do you need?
You do not need special equipment to enjoy the eclipse, which is always sure to see with the naked eye. However, binoculars or a telescope will improve the details of the moon surface, as well as any small or large telescope. A DSLR or a mirror -free camera with a telofoto and tripod lens, or a telescope, are best for catching stunning nearby shooting. However, you can also get souvenir shots using a smartphone (also on a tripod, or even better, held in the eye of a telescope).
The Lunar General Eclipse of April 4, 2015 taken closely close to the fall of tears, in the Western monuments valley, … [+]
8. Will the weather cooperate?
The clear heavens are essential for viewing the eclipse. Check the local weather forecasts in advance, and consider traveling to areas with possible clear sky if the clouds eat where you are. All you need is for the clouds to be briefly separated during the long whole to see the main attraction – a fully eclipsed “blood moon” – so do not give up.
9. Can you see the eclipse in cities?
Many items suggest that light pollution makes it harder to see the eclipsed moon. It’s pointless. You can easily see the whole event from a city polluted with light. All you will miss is the appearance of the stars that appear around the moon during the whole. This is a beautiful look, but perhaps not essential to most observers. The raised solar activity can produce pale auroras in the north width, giving it another reason to turn to the dark sky.
Wishing you to cleanse the sky and wide eyes.