A total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a "Blood Moon," is set to occur on the night of March 13–14, 2025. During this event, the Earth will align directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that gives the Moon a reddish hue.This phenomenon will be visible across North and South America, offering a spectacular celestial display.
Viewing Times in the United States
The total lunar eclipse will unfold over several hours, with key phases occurring late Thursday night into early Friday morning. Here are the general times for the contiguous United States:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 11:57 PM EDT on Thursday, March 13 (8:57 PM PDT)
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 1:09 AM EDT on Friday, March 14 (10:09 PM PDT on Thursday, March 13)
- Total Eclipse (Blood Moon) Begins: 2:26 AM EDT (11:26 PM PDT on Thursday, March 13)
- Maximum Eclipse: 2:59 AM EDT (11:59 PM PDT on Thursday, March 13)
- Total Eclipse Ends: 3:31 AM EDT (12:31 AM PDT)
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 4:48 AM EDT (1:48 AM PDT)
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 6:00 AM EDT (3:00 AM PDT)
These times may vary slightly depending on your specific location.
Viewing Tips
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No Special Equipment Needed: Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience by providing a closer view of the Moon's surface.
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Find a Clear View: Choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky, away from tall buildings and trees.
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Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. Be sure to check local weather forecasts leading up to the event.
Weather Forecasts for Major U.S. Cities
Here are the weather forecasts for the night of March 13–14, 2025, in select U.S. cities:
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Los Angeles, CA: Mostly cloudy and cool; a passing shower or two in the afternoon, High: 61°F (16°C), Low: 48°F (9°C)
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Denver, CO: Sunny to partly cloudy and mild, High: 68°F (20°C), Low: 38°F (3°C)
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Chicago, IL: Plenty of sunshine, High: 53°F (12°C), Low: 49°F (10°C)
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New York, NY: Mostly cloudy, High: 47°F (8°C), Low: 41°F (5°C)
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Miami, FL: Mostly sunny and pleasant; breezy in the afternoon, High: 83°F (28°C), Low: 65°F (18°C)
Live Streams
If local weather conditions are unfavorable or you're unable to view the eclipse in person, several organizations will provide live streams of the event:
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Time and Date: They will stream the total lunar eclipse live on their website.
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Griffith Observatory: Hosting an online broadcast of the total lunar eclipse on March 13 from 8:50 PM to 3:05 AM PDT.
This total lunar eclipse offers a remarkable opportunity to witness a natural celestial event. Whether observing directly under the night sky or tuning in via live streams, it's an experience not to be missed.