
Fri Mar 07 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## North America to Witness ‘Blood Moon’ Lunar Eclipse This Month
**New York, NY** – Stargazers across North America are in for a celestial treat. A total lunar eclipse, colloquially known as a “blood moon” due to its reddish hue, will be visible in the early hours of March 14th.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. This phenomenon occurs when the moon is full and passes completely into Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. While partial lunar eclipses are relatively common, total lunar eclipses coinciding with a full moon are rarer, with most regions experiencing one only about once every 2.5 years.
The reddish color is caused by the scattering of sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths of light (blues and greens) are scattered away, while longer wavelengths (reds and oranges) are bent towards the moon, giving it its characteristic blood-red appearance.
The eclipse will begin at 8:57 pm Pacific Time on March 13th. Totality, when the moon is fully within the umbra, is expected around 11:26 pm PDT and will last approximately one hour. Specific times vary by location; viewers in other parts of the Americas should consult astronomical resources for local timings. A second total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7th, but will be visible primarily in eastern Africa, Asia, and western Australia.
For optimal viewing, NASA recommends finding a location away from city lights with a clear view of the horizon. Binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience, and cameras with long exposure settings are ideal for photography. Don’t miss this spectacular astronomical event!