Get ready for a blood moon event!

On the night of March 13 and into the early hours of March 14, 2025, residents of the contiguous United States, much of the Americas, and select areas beyond will have an opportunity to experience a total lunar eclipse, provided weather conditions are favorable. This celestial spectacle occurs when the moon, Earth, and the sun align perfectly. During this alignment, long red wavelengths of light filter through our atmosphere, bathing the moon in stunning hues of rust and crimson.

This anticipated total lunar eclipse marks the first of its kind since 2022.

“These events are truly breathtaking to witness,” shared Bennett Maruca, an astronomer from the University of Delaware, who has seen multiple total lunar eclipses and is excited for the upcoming March occurrence, as reported by Mashable.

An illustration showing how sunlight’s red wavelengths illuminate the moon’s surface.
Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Why You Should Experience the Total Lunar Eclipse

– It’s a rare occurrence: A total lunar eclipse typically happens every 1.5 years on Earth. However, experiencing one can be challenging since you must be positioned on the side of the planet facing the moon. Weather conditions can also obstruct visibility, as many learned during the 2024 total solar eclipse. Therefore, seize the chance to view the eclipse when you can.

– It’s simple to observe! All you need to do is step outside (again, weather permitting). Unlike a total solar eclipse, which is only visible from a narrow band of the Earth’s surface, a large area will be able to witness the moon’s transformation. Plus, the event lasts for several hours as the moon gradually reddens, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle. “It’s not a race against the clock for a fleeting few minutes,” Maruca noted, referencing the frantic rush during a total solar eclipse (which is still undeniably worth experiencing).

– No special gear required: Unlike observing a total solar eclipse, which necessitates precautions, viewing a lunar eclipse is completely safe with the naked eye,” as NASA states. “However, binoculars or a high-powered telescope can enhance the experience.”

“This is as unifying as it gets.”

– It’s a collective experience: “This is an astronomical event that can be viewed by hundreds of millions simultaneously,” Maruca emphasized. “It’s incredibly unifying.”

When to Witness the Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse

The NASA map below indicates when the peak of totality will occur during this upcoming lunar eclipse. During this moment, the moon, Earth, and sun will align, allowing those striking red wavelengths of sunlight to stream through Earth’s atmosphere and vividly illuminate the moon. (Meanwhile, blue light scatters in the atmosphere on the daylight side of Earth, creating blue skies.)

Totality will commence at 11:26 p.m. PDT on March 13, 2025 / 2:26 a.m. EDT on March 14 / 06:26 UTC and will last for 65 minutes. However, the reddening process begins hours earlier: the eclipse officially starts (the “penumbral eclipse”) with a slight dimming at 8:57 p.m. PDT / 11:57 p.m. EDT / 03:57 UTC. The overall event concludes at 3:00 a.m. PDT / 6:00 a.m. EDT / 10:00 UTC.

For more detailed viewing information, visit Time and Date. If you’re on the wrong side of the planet for this eclipse, another total lunar eclipse is set for Sept. 7, 2025.

A map displaying the opportunity for the Americas to witness a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025.
Credit: NASA

For many, the brilliant display will peak at unconventional hours. Yet, astronomers encourage everyone to get outside and take in the experience.

“It’s absolutely worth staying up for,” said Maruca. “The beauty of totality is astonishing.”