Blood Moon 2025: Total Lunar Eclipse on March 14; where and when can you see the total lunar eclipse?

Avid skywatchers have something very exciting to look forward to this March. On March 14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, which is a rare astronomical phenomenon called the "blood moon" will occur, where the moon would seem to be deep red. With clear skies and the right location, you can see this rare astronomical event.

One can observe a total lunar eclipse with their unaided eyes. To get a better look, though, you can use binoculars or a telescope.

Why does the moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?

The moon appears to be covered in the umbra, the darkest region of Earth's shadow, when Earth blocks the sun's light.


When there is a lunar eclipse, the moon appears red due to the interaction of the sun's light with Earth's atmosphere.

The moon appears red or orange when the earth's shadow completely envelops it during a total lunar eclipse. Shorter blue light wavelengths are scattered, but longer red and orange light wavelengths pass through the earth's atmosphere and light up the moon, a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering.

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Where and when can you see the Total Lunar Eclipse?

NASA reports that the eclipse will start at 8:57 p.m. Pacific Time. The phenomenon is scheduled to begin in Mexico at 10:57 p.m. CDT, Argentina at 12:57 a.m. (ART), and Spain at 5:57 a.m. (CET). The shadow of Earth will move slowly across the moon. Before the total eclipse, observers will see the satellite turn blood red as its illumination gradually fades.

It is predicted that the eclipse will reach totality, or the appearance of the blood moon, at 11:26 p.m. PDT. There will be a climax for about an hour. However, the pre-eclipse phases will be visible before dawn, as quoted in a report by Wired.

The following is a schedule of when totality will begin in other U.S. countries:
1:26 am in Mexico
1:26 am in Colombia
3:26 am in Chile
3:26 am in Argentina
1:26 am in Peru
8:25 am in Spain

FAQs

Why is the lunar eclipse on March 14 referred to as a Blood Moon?
Blood Moon gets its name from the way sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere during a total lunar eclipse, scattering blue light and turning the moon red.

What are the best ways to view the Total Lunar Eclipse?
Use binoculars or a telescope, look for a dark spot away from city lights, and, if you can, use a tripod to take long-exposure pictures for the best results!