The long-awaited Blood Moon total lunar eclipse will brighten the sky on March 13-14, 2025, and be the first such event since 2022. Provided with clear weather, millions of people in the United States and the Americas will have the chance to watch the moon transform into an eerie reddish color as it passes into totality for more than an hour.

Unlike solar eclipses, which can be seen only from a narrow band of geography, this total lunar eclipse will be visible in several time zones, providing almost the entire nation an opportunity to witness it.

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“It’s a broader window. The entire country gets to see it, if the weather cooperates,” said Bob Larson, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, in a statement to Mashable.

What Causes a Blood Moon?

A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth directly positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow and interrupting direct sunlight. The moon becomes deep red or rusty orange in color because of Rayleigh scattering, the same atmospheric phenomenon responsible for sunsets to be red.

During the eclipse, totality will last 65 minutes, providing sufficient time for observers to appreciate the awe-inspiring transformation.

Lunar Eclipse Schedule for the US

The eclipse will be seen in six time zones, with the different regions seeing different timings. Here’s how it breaks down:

Eastern Time Zone (EDT)

  • Penumbral phase begins: 11:57 p.m. (March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 1:09 a.m. (March 14)
  • Totality begins: 2:26 a.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 3:31 a.m.
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 4:47-6:00 a.m.

Central Time Zone (CDT)

  • Penumbral phase begins: 10:57 p.m. (March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 12:09 a.m. (March 14)
  • Totality begins: 1:26 a.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 2:31 a.m.
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 3:47-5:00 a.m.

Mountain Time Zone (MDT)

  • Penumbral phase begins: 9:57 p.m. (March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 11:09 p.m.
  • Totality begins: 12:26 a.m. (March 14)
  • Partial eclipse ends: 1:31 a.m.
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 2:47-4:00 a.m.

Pacific Time Zone (PDT)

  • Penumbral phase begins: 8:57 p.m. (March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 10:09 p.m.
  • Totality begins: 11:26 p.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 12:31 a.m. (March 14)
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 1:47-3:00 a.m.

Alaska Time Zone (AKDT)

  • Penumbral phase begins: 7:57 p.m. (March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 9:09 p.m.
  • Totality begins: 10:26 p.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 11:31 p.m.
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 12:47-2:00 a.m. (March 14)

Hawaii Time Zone (HST)

  • Penumbral phase begins: Already underway at moonrise (6:32 p.m. HST, March 13)
  • Partial eclipse starts: 7:09 p.m.
  • Totality begins: 8:26 p.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 9:31 p.m.
  • Penumbral phase concludes: 10:47-12:00 a.m. (March 14)

How to Watch the Eclipse

  • Find a Dark Location: Viewing away from city lights will provide the best experience.
  • Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for visibility.
  • Use Binoculars or a Telescope: While the eclipse is visible to the naked eye, optical aids enhance the details.
  • Livestream Options: In case of poor weather, NASA and other astronomy websites will broadcast the event online.

This Blood Moon total lunar eclipse offers a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sky shows. Don’t miss it!