There is going to be a total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025. This occurs when the Earth is in between the Sun and the Moon, leading to the Moon passing through the shadow of Earth. The Moon thus becomes reddish due to the scattering of sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon will be observable in various regions of the world, such as North and South America, Western Europe, and Western Africa. But Indian audiences and most of Asia will not be able to observe it. This article gives minute details regarding the eclipse, such as its phases, visibility, and how to observe it.
What Causes a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking all direct sunlight from the Moon. Any light that is able to reach the Moon filters through Earth’s atmosphere, removing most of the blue light and leaving red and orange wavelengths behind. It is this phenomenon that tints the Moon, commonly referred to as a Blood Moon phenomenon.
As opposed to solar eclipses, which can be observed safely only through special glasses, lunar eclipses can be safely observed without the use of a telescope or glasses. The performance lasts for more than a couple of hours, so it is convenient for viewers to observe various phases without going out of their way to accommodate special observation.
Phases of the March 2025 Lunar Eclipse
For everyone where the eclipse will be visible, the event shall occur in the following stages in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):
- Penumbral Eclipse Starts: 03:57 UTC
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 05:09 UTC
- Total Eclipse Starts: 06:26 UTC
- Maximum Eclipse: 06:58 UTC
- Total Eclipse Ends: 07:32 UTC
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 08:48 UTC
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:00 UTC
The overall phase, when the Moon will be completely inside Earth’s shadow, will take about 66 minutes. The hue and brightness of the Moon during this phase are a function of atmospheric conditions, for instance, volcanic dust or pollution that can affect the amount of reddening.
Where Will the Lunar Eclipse Be Visible?
The total lunar eclipse will be observable in the Western Hemisphere, which includes North and South America, Western Europe, and Western Africa. The optimum viewing points will be where the Moon is highest in the sky during the time of the total eclipse.
Unfortunately, India, most of Asia, and parts of Australia will not be seeing this phenomenon because of time differences and the fact that the Moon will be under the horizon. People residing in these locations can, however, watch live feeds of the eclipse on different websites of astronomy.
Best Time to See the Eclipse in North America
For North American audiences, the total eclipse will be witnessed in the wee hours of March 14, 2025. The precise timings will vary according to the local time zone:
- Eastern Time (ET): 2:26 a.m. – 3:31 a.m.
- Central Time (CT): 1:26 a.m. – 2:31 a.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 12:26 a.m. – 1:31 a.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 11:26 p.m. (March 13) – 12:31 a.m. (March 14)
As the eclipse will take several hours, the observers will get sufficient time to watch its various phases without losing any important moment.
How to Observe the Lunar Eclipse?
Lunar eclipses need no specialized equipment to witness safely. Unlike solar eclipses, for which the eyes have to be protected, a total lunar eclipse may be watched with the bare eye. However, binoculars or telescopes may add excitement by unearthing lunar surface details while witnessing an eclipse.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
The red or copper hue of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse is due to Rayleigh scattering, exactly the same process that reddens the sunset as well as the sunrise.
Sunlight moving through the atmosphere of the Earth scatters in every direction with short wavelengths (blues and violets), whereas the long wavelengths (oranges and reds) go on to the Moon. That filtered light produces the reddish hue of the Moon during a total eclipse. The red hue will darken as well according to the state of the atmosphere on Earth. The Moon will be darker or copper-colored if the air contains much pollution or dust. The red hue can also be bolder and lighter if the air is clear.
When is the next total lunar eclipse?
For sky enthusiasts in India and surrounding countries, the following total lunar eclipse is visible on September 7, 2025. The eclipse will be entirely visible from India, and astronomy enthusiasts in the country will have a chance to witness the metamorphosis of the Moon personally.
Conclusion,
The total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025, will be one to observe by sky watchers in North and South America, Western Europe, and Western Africa. That some areas, such as India and most of Asia, will not have direct observations does not mean others worldwide will be left out of the experience, since live streaming will offer a means of viewing the event.
Lunar eclipses provide a rare chance to see the Sun, Earth, and Moon interaction unshielded. The best view will be by North American observers, with a total eclipse during early morning hours.