Blood Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse visible in the US: Time, how to watch and what not to do

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 14, 2025, 20:19 IST

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Skywatchers in the US will have the chance to witness a rare total lunar eclipse on Thursday night, resulting in a Blood Moon. The event will last about six hours, with totality occurring at 2:26 AM EDT on Friday and best views across North and South America.

Blood Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse visible in the US: Time, how to watch and what not to do

A total lunar eclipse is set to light up the night sky late Thursday and early Friday, giving skywatchers a rare chance to witness a Blood Moon. This is the only lunar eclipse visible from the US this year and the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022. The entire event will last around six hours, with the best views expected across North and South America, though it will be visible throughout the Western Hemisphere.

What is a total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing the Moon to pass through Earth's darkest shadow. During this, the Moon takes on a reddish or copper hue, earning the name Blood Moon. This color change happens because sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere, projecting the colors of sunrises and sunsets onto the Moon.

Total lunar eclipse in the US: Timings and how to watch

The eclipse begins with a penumbral phase at 11:57 PM EDT (8:57 PM PDT) Thursday. The partial eclipse starts at 1:09 AM EDT (10:09 PM PDT) Friday, making it look like a "bite" is taken out of the Moon. The most dramatic phase, totality, occurs at 2:26 AM EDT (11:26 PM PDT) Friday, when the Moon will glow red. Totality ends at 3:31 AM EDT (12:31 AM PDT), and the eclipse fully concludes by sunrise.
Unlike a solar eclipse, this event doesn’t require special glasses—just step outside and look up. A dark location away from city lights will offer the best view, and using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. If the weather isn’t ideal, websites like Timeanddate.com will livestream the event starting at 1 AM EDT Friday.
This month's full Moon, called the Worm Moon, will reach peak illumination at 2:55 AM EDT Friday and will appear full for three nights. The name comes from the Maine Farmers' Almanac, which documented Native American names for full moons in the 1930s.

What not to do during Blood Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse

Don’t Expect Instant Color Changes – The Moon won’t turn red all at once. The shift happens gradually as Earth's shadow covers it, so be patient.
Avoid Bright Lights – Streetlights, phone screens, and indoor lighting can make it harder to see the eclipse clearly. Try watching from a dark location for the best view.
Don’t Use Solar Eclipse Glasses – Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. You don’t need any protective eyewear.
Don’t Rely Only on the Naked Eye – While you can see the eclipse without equipment, using binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience by revealing more details.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute – Lunar eclipses last for hours, but the total eclipse phase is shorter. Know the exact timing so you don’t miss the Blood Moon at its peak.

Next lunar eclipse in 2025

The next total lunar eclipse will happen on September 7, 2025, visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The U.S. won’t see another total lunar eclipse until March 3, 2026.
Looking ahead, the next solar eclipse will occur on March 29, 2025, as a partial eclipse visible from multiple continents, followed by another on September 21, 2025.

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TOI Tech Desk

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