Moon Transforms into Blood Red During Total Lunar Eclipse

NEW YORK (AP) — Skywatchers across the Western Hemisphere will witness a total lunar eclipse on the night of March 13 through the early hours of March 14, 2025. The event, often referred to as a ‘blood moon,’ occurs when Earth casts its shadow over the moon, causing it to take on a reddish hue.

The best views will be available in North and South America, while parts of Europe and Africa may catch a glimpse during moonset. During the total lunar eclipse, which happens when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, the moon will be obscured by Earth’s umbral shadow, reflecting a coppery glow due to sunlight filtering through the atmosphere.

According to NASA, lunar eclipses occur between four to seven times each year. The previous partial lunar eclipse occurred in September 2023, followed by the last total lunar eclipse in 2022. The upcoming eclipse will feature totality, where the moon is completely covered, lasting approximately 65 minutes from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. Eastern time. Observers should look up to enjoy the view without needing special glasses or equipment.

“As long as the sky is clear, you should be able to see it,” said Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. However, she cautioned that visibility in Europe may be limited due to the moon setting before totality begins.

Astronomy expert Michael Faison from Yale University emphasized, “This is really an eclipse for North and South America.” He advises anyone interested not to miss the opportunity as the next total lunar eclipse viewable in the Americas won’t occur until March 2026.

Lunar eclipses have fascinated civilizations for thousands of years. Historian Zoe Ortiz explained that ancient cultures interpreted these celestial events in various ways. “They were looking at the night sky and they had a much brighter vision than we do today,” said Ortiz, a faculty member at the University of North Texas.

Aristotle was one of the first to note that the Earth’s shadow on the moon during an eclipse is always curved, providing early evidence of the planet’s roundness. Meanwhile, ancient Mesopotamian societies viewed the blood-red moon as an omen for their ruler, often installing a substitute king during an eclipse.

<p“For some civilizations, eclipses were moments of concern, and they enacted rituals to protect their leaders,” Ortiz remarked. “If there’s ever a movie plot, that’s the one.”

This total lunar eclipse, which will see the moon fully engulfed for a short period, promises to be a beautiful event, especially for those on the night side of the Earth, where clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. Locations in the western U.S. and Canada often have better chances of favorable weather conditions compared to eastern regions during March.

The entire eclipse can also be viewed via various live streams for those unable to go outside. As astronomers anticipate the event, they advise spectators to prepare by checking weather conditions and finding a dark location to better view the moon’s transformation. Whether through telescopes or with the naked eye, this celestial display is an invitation to reconnect with the beauty of the night sky.