Get ready for an exciting celestial event! A total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon,” will occur overnight on Thursday and Friday. This stunning phenomenon will turn the moon a deep red and is visible to viewers in the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that creates the reddish hue instead of completely darkening the moon. This is a rare chance to see a total lunar eclipse, as it won’t happen again in North America until 2029.
Blood Moon 2025: Timing and Viewing Locations
The total lunar eclipse will be visible across North America, including all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, depending on weather conditions. Here’s the timeline for the totality phase, where the moon will appear completely red:
- North America: The moon will begin to show a bite taken out of it starting at 1:09 AM Eastern Time (0509 GMT). The totality will last from 2:26 AM to 3:31 AM.
- France: The total phase will occur from 7:26 AM to 8:31 AM local time (0626-0731 GMT), but only the western regions like Brittany will be able to see it before the moon sets.
- New Zealand: The eclipse will only be partially visible as the moon rises.
- United Kingdom: The weather forecast isn’t promising, but there may still be a chance to catch a glimpse of the moon through the clouds.
Tips for Watching and Capturing the Blood Moon
To make the most of this event, find a dark spot away from city lights. Bring binoculars or a telescope for a closer look, and have your camera ready to capture this stunning spectacle.