'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse 2025: When and where to watch in the US

A spectacular total lunar eclipse is set to light up the skies over the United States on March 13-14, 2025. This will be the first total lunar eclipse since 2022 and is expected to create a stunning display as the moon turns a deep reddish hue, known as a "Blood Moon." The event will be visible across the lower 48 states and much of the Americas unless clouds interfere with the view.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses last longer and can be seen by more people. This year's totality will last for 65 minutes, during which the moon will take on a rusty red color as Earth’s shadow falls over it.

Why is it called a 'Blood Moon'?

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. The moon doesn’t go completely dark because sunlight bends around Earth’s atmosphere and reflects onto the moon’s surface. This gives the moon a reddish or copper color, which is why it is called a "Blood Moon."

Bob Larson, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that the 2025 lunar eclipse will be visible from all parts of the United States, weather permitting. He noted that this is a rare event because the entire country will have a chance to see it at some point during the night.

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Here’s the full schedule of the total lunar eclipse for different time zones across the United States:

Eastern Time Zone (EDT)

• 1st penumbral phase: 11:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 1:09 a.m. on Friday, March 14
• Totality: 2:26 a.m.
• 2nd partial phase: 3:31 a.m.
• 2nd penumbral phase: 4:47 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Central Time Zone (CDT)

• 1st penumbral phase: 10:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 12:09 a.m. on Friday, March 14
• Totality: 1:26 a.m.
• 2nd partial phase: 2:31 a.m.
• 2nd penumbral phase: 3:47 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Mountain Time Zone (MDT)

• 1st penumbral phase: 9:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 11:09 p.m.
• Totality: 12:26 a.m. on Friday, March 14
• 2nd partial phase: 1:31 a.m.
• 2nd penumbral phase: 2:47 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Pacific Time Zone (PDT)

• 1st penumbral phase: 8:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 10:09 p.m.
• Totality: 11:26 p.m.
• 2nd partial phase: 12:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14
• 2nd penumbral phase: 1:47 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Alaska Time Zone (AKDT)

• 1st penumbral phase: 7:57 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 9:09 p.m.
• Totality: 10:26 p.m.
• 2nd partial phase: 11:31 p.m.
• 2nd penumbral phase: 12:47 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14

Hawaii Time Zone (HST)

• 1st penumbral phase: Already underway when the moon rises at 6:32 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
• 1st partial phase: 7:09 p.m.
• Totality: 8:26 p.m.
• 2nd partial phase: 9:31 p.m.
• 2nd penumbral phase: 10:47 p.m. to midnight

Best way to watch the Eclipse

Watching a lunar eclipse doesn’t require any special equipment like a telescope. The moon will be large and visible to the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view and allow you to see more details on the moon’s surface.

Since the eclipse will be visible for over an hour, you can pick a comfortable spot outdoors with a clear view of the sky. For the best experience, try to find a place away from city lights to reduce light pollution.

Meteorologists suggest checking the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Clear skies will provide the best view of the red moon.

This is the first total lunar eclipse in over two years, making it a rare astronomical event. Lunar eclipses happen when the moon passes through Earth's shadow. However, total lunar eclipses, where the moon turns red, are less frequent.

The red color happens because Earth's atmosphere filters out blue light, allowing only red and orange hues to reach the moon's surface. This creates the stunning visual effect known as the "Blood Moon."

Astronomers and space enthusiasts are especially excited because this eclipse will last for over an hour, which is longer than most total lunar eclipses.

Lunar eclipses are not just beautiful to watch; they also provide valuable scientific data. During a lunar eclipse, astronomers can study how Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight.

The color of the moon during an eclipse can also reveal information about pollution levels and volcanic activity in Earth's atmosphere. A deep red moon indicates more dust and particles in the air, while a lighter red or orange color suggests cleaner air.

Scientists also use lunar eclipses to study the moon’s surface and its geological makeup. When Earth’s shadow passes over the moon, it creates temperature changes that can help scientists understand how the moon's surface reacts to sudden changes in heat.

Lunar eclipses have fascinated people for centuries. Ancient cultures often viewed them as signs of change or important spiritual events. The term "Blood Moon" has biblical and mythological significance in various traditions.

In modern times, lunar eclipses are seen as a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe. Events like the 2025 Blood Moon bring people together to witness the wonders of space and reflect on our place in the cosmos.

The Blood Moon total lunar eclipse of 2025 promises to be a spectacular event for stargazers and casual observers alike. With over an hour of totality and visibility across the US, this eclipse will be a rare and exciting sight.

Mark your calendars for March 13-14, 2025, and don’t miss this opportunity to see one of nature's most breathtaking shows.