### A Blood Moon is Near
An extraordinary astronomical occurrence is imminent.
On the evening of **March 13** and continuing into the early hours of **March 14, 2025**, a **total lunar eclipse** will be observable across the **continental United States, the Americas, and beyond**, contingent on favorable weather conditions. This uncommon event happens when the **moon, Earth, and sun align**, allowing Earth’s atmosphere to filter sunlight and project a deep red or rusty tint on the moon’s surface.
This will mark the **first total lunar eclipse since 2022**.
*”They are truly stunning to witness,”* remarked **Bennett Maruca**, an astronomer from the University of Delaware, who has experienced multiple total lunar eclipses and intends to observe this one too.
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### Reasons to Observe the Total Lunar Eclipse
#### 🌕 **An Uncommon Occasion**
Total lunar eclipses happen roughly **every 1.5 years**, but they aren’t universally observable from every spot on Earth. To see one, you need to be on the **night side of the planet** at the time of the event. Furthermore, **weather conditions** may hinder visibility, making each occurrence particularly unique.
#### 🌕 **Simple to View**
In contrast to a **total solar eclipse**, which is only visible along a narrow path, a **total lunar eclipse** can be seen from **extensive areas** of the globe. The phenomenon also progresses slowly over several hours, so there’s no urgency to catch a brief glimpse.
*”It’s not a dash for three minutes of viewing,”* Maruca clarified, likening it to the short duration of totality experienced during a solar eclipse.
#### 🌕 **No Special Gear Required**
Unlike solar eclipses that necessitate protective eyewear, a **lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye**. Nonetheless, using **binoculars or a telescope** can enhance your viewing experience.
#### 🌕 **A Universal Event**
*”This is an event that could be seen by hundreds of millions of individuals, all at once,”* Maruca pointed out. *”That’s as unifying as it gets.”*
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### Timing for the March 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse
During the eclipse, the **moon, Earth, and sun will align**, permitting Earth’s atmosphere to filter sunlight and envelop the moon in a vivid red glow.
🔴 **Totality begins at:**
– **11:26 p.m. PDT on March 13**
– **2:26 a.m. EDT on March 14**
– **06:26 UTC**
The **total eclipse will endure for 65 minutes**, but the moon’s coloration will progressively shift over several hours.
📅 **Key Eclipse Milestones:**
– **Penumbral Eclipse Begins:** 8:57 p.m. PDT / 11:57 p.m. EDT / 03:57 UTC
– **Total Eclipse Starts:** 11:26 p.m. PDT / 2:26 a.m. EDT / 06:26 UTC
– **Total Eclipse Concludes:** 12:31 a.m. PDT / 3:31 a.m. EDT / 07:31 UTC
– **Eclipse Ends:** 3:00 a.m. PDT / 6:00 a.m. EDT / 10:00 UTC
For additional information about visibility in your location, visit **[Time and Date](https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-march-14)**.
Should you miss this opportunity, another **total lunar eclipse** is scheduled for **September 7, 2025**.
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### Don’t Let This Experience Pass You By
For many, the eclipse will reach its height during **late-night or early-morning hours**, but astronomers urge you to make the effort to go outside.
*”It’s definitely worth staying up late for,”* Maruca stated. *”Totality is incredible.”*
So, circle the date on your calendars and prepare to experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events! 🌕🔴