A lunar eclipse is a rare celestial event where the moon passes into Earth’s shadow while aligning with our planet and the sun. When the moon is partially covered by Earth’s shadow during this alignment, it creates a partial lunar eclipse, as seen in a recent event in September. In a total lunar eclipse, the moon moves entirely into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, blocking it entirely from the sun, as explained by NASA. During this time, the moon may appear dimmer than usual, with a captivating reddish-orange hue visible on its surface for a few hours as it moves through the constellations of Leo and Virgo.
This phenomenon, often referred to as a “blood moon” due to the color change, is caused by the same process that gives our sky its blue color and our sunsets their red hues, according to NASA. As light passes through Earth’s atmosphere, it scatters in all directions due to gases and particles in the air. Blue light scatters more easily, giving our sky its blue appearance, while red light, which travels more directly, creates the red hues seen during sunrises and sunsets. Similarly, during a total lunar eclipse, the sunlight that reaches the moon passes through a thick portion of Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in the striking reddish appearance on the lunar surface.
The upcoming total lunar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. on the night of March 13-14. The eclipse phases are expected to last 6 hours and 3 minutes, with the penumbral phase beginning around 11:57 p.m. EST, marking the start of the eclipse. As the moon enters Earth’s umbra at 1:09 a.m., a partial eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing like a bite has been taken out of it. Totality is set to occur at 2:26 a.m., displaying the vivid reddish hues of the “blood moon.” The eclipse will conclude by 6 a.m. as the moon exits Earth’s penumbra.
The total lunar eclipse in March will be visible to the Western Hemisphere, including all of North America, South America, western Europe, and Africa. No special equipment is needed to witness this awe-inspiring celestial event.
Without any special equipment to observe the phenomenon, astronomers insist that the view will be even better with telescopes and binoculars. Regardless, a dark environment away from bright city lights makes for the best spectating. Time and Date provides more detailed information about where and when to see the eclipse. When is the next total lunar eclipse? According to NASA, another total lunar eclipse won’t be visible in the U.S. until March 2026. Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Total lunar eclipse is coming in March 2025: How to see it in the US.
