Don’t miss this month’s total lunar eclipse

On March 13-14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will grace the skies, promising a spectacular view for anyone under a clear sky in the U.S. As Michael E. Bakich highlights, this celestial event, requiring no special equipment to observe, occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow. The occurrence aligns the Sun, Earth, and Moon in that specific order and, although infrequent, happens on average every 2.5 years.

A closer look at what causes this eclipse reveals that despite monthly full moon alignments, eclipses occur less frequently due to the Moon's 5° orbital tilt relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes the Moon to often miss Earth’s shadow completely. During a lunar eclipse, viewing times become crucial, especially noting that it doesn't appear every month.

The eclipse itself consists of seven phases, starting with the penumbral phase at 11:57:28 p.m. EDT, when the outer part of Earth's shadow begins touching the Moon’s surface. As the eclipse progresses, Earth's umbra covers the lunar surface in the partial phase beginning at 1:09:40 a.m. EDT. This phase gives the visible contrast between the dark umbra and the lit surface.

With totality beginning at 2:26:06 a.m. EDT, observers will see the Moon completely immersed in Earth’s umbra, causing a dramatic change in color ranging from orange to dark red, due to Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as a 'Blood Moon', captivates many astronomers and sky watchers.

Concluding this visual escapade, the partial phase ends at 4:47:52 a.m. EDT, with the penumbral phase concluding at 6:00:09 a.m. EDT. While the next total lunar eclipse visible across the U.S. will be on March 3, 2026, this March event is an opportunity not to be missed.

Sources: Michael E. Bakich, astronomy.com