Fellow stargazers, mark your calendars! A spectacular total lunar eclipse is set to grace our skies on the night of March 13 into the early hours of March 14, 2025. If you’ve never seen one before, this is your chance to witness the Moon turn a deep, eerie red as it passes through Earth’s shadow—a phenomenon often called a “Blood Moon.”
Where & When to Watch
This eclipse will be visible across North and South America, and for those of us in the Eastern Time Zone, we’re in prime position to see the entire event. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:
· Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 11:57 PM (March 13)
· Partial Eclipse Begins: 1:09 AM (March 14)
· Totality Begins: 2:26 AM
· Mid-Eclipse (Deepest Red Phase): 2:58 AM
· Totality Ends: 3:31 AM
· Partial Eclipse Ends: 4:47 AM
· Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 6:00 AM
Totality—when the Moon is fully in Earth’s shadow—will last just over an hour, giving us plenty of time to soak in the view.
How to View the Eclipse
The best part? No special equipment is required! Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to view with the naked eye. However, if you have a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, you’re in for a treat.
Tips for Binoculars & Telescopes:
· A pair of 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars will enhance the color contrast, making the red hues pop.
· If using a small telescope (even a 60-80mm refractor), try a low-power eyepiece (25mm or greater) for a full view of the Moon.
· Look for surface details like craters and maria that appear unusually dramatic under the reddish tint.
Astrophotography Tips for the Lunar Eclipse
If you’re into astrophotography, a lunar eclipse is a fantastic event to capture, and you don’t need expensive gear to get great results.
Smartphone Photography:
· Use Night Mode (if available) to improve low-light performance.
· A simple tripod and a remote shutter button can help reduce motion blur.
· Try different exposures—shorter for a brighter Moon, longer for totality.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera:
· Use a telephoto lens (200mm or more) for close-up shots.
· Set your ISO between 100-800, depending on your camera’s low-light performance.
· During totality, use a longer exposure (1-4 seconds) to bring out the red hues.
· Shoot in RAW for better post-processing flexibility.
Final Thoughts
A total lunar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring celestial events, perfect for both seasoned and beginner stargazers. Whether you’re watching with your own eyes, peering through a telescope, or capturing the moment with a camera, this Blood Moon of 2025 is not to be missed!
Happy stargazing!
Gallery