How to view total lunar eclipse: All you need to know about Blood Worm Moon

Astronomy fans are in for an exciting spectacle this March as they will have the chance to witness the moon take on a striking red hue, known as the "Blood Moon”, when it passes through the Earth's shadow during the upcoming total lunar eclipse later this week.

The full moon in March will pass into Earth's shadow on the night of March 13 or the early hours of March 14, depending on the viewer's time zone, as per NASA's information. The moon will be visible on the eastern horizon at dusk.

This year's full moon event follows a rare celestial occurrence - a total lunar eclipse - that has not been seen in nearly three years. The total lunar eclipse will likely add to the spectacle of the full moon.

What is Blood Worm Moon?

The full moon in March is traditionally called a "worm moon," as recorded in The Old Farmer's Almanac. This name is believed to be linked to the appearance of earthworms as the weather warms up, signalling the approach of spring.

However, another explanation comes from the 1760s, when Captain Jonathan Carver noted that some Native American tribes used the name to mark the time when beetle larvae emerged from thawing tree bark.

The Almanac also mentions that different Native American tribes had various names for the March moon, including the Eagle Moon, the Goose Moon, and others, each reflecting different aspects of nature.

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Best time to view the total lunar eclipse

The total lunar eclipse will be a worldwide event, happening simultaneously on the night side of Earth between 03:57 and 10:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) on Friday, March 14, 2025.

To see the moon's red glow at its brightest, it is important to be outside during the "totality" phase, which will last for around 65 minutes. This phase will occur between 06:26 and 07:31 UTC. The time of this event will be adjusted according to different time zones in North America.

Timings:

2:26-3:31 a.m. EST on Friday, March 14.

1:26-2:31 a.m. CST on Friday, March 14.

00:26-1:31 a.m. MST on Friday, March 14.

11:26 p.m. PST on Thursday, March 13 to 00:31 a.m. PST on Friday, March 14.

10:26-11:31 p.m. AKST on Thursday, March 13.

8:26-9:31 p.m. HST on Thursday, March 13.

Best time to see the full ‘worm moon’ rise

The best time to view the Worm Moon will be just after sunset on Friday, March 14, during moonrise.

- New York: Sunset at 7:01 p.m. EDT, with moonrise at 7:38 p.m. EDT

- Los Angeles: Sunset at 6:59 p.m. PDT, with moonrise at 7:41 p.m. PDT

- London: Sunset at 6:02 p.m. GMT, with moonrise at 6:31 p.m. GMT

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FAQs:

Why does the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse?
The moon turns red during a total lunar eclipse because of the way Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight. As light passes through the Earth's atmosphere, the shorter blue wavelengths are filtered out, while the longer red wavelengths pass through and illuminate the moon with a reddish glow.

Is a telescope needed to view the eclipse?
No, you do not need a telescope to view a lunar eclipse. Nude pair of eyes and an unobstructed view of the sky will be enough to enjoy the "Blood Worm Moon" and the eclipse.