All About March's Rare Total Lunar Eclipse and How to See the Blood Moon

Mar. 15, 2025

Lunar Eclipse 2018.Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Images/Getty

Eclipse seasonis upon us! The first total lunar eclipse of the year is set to be visible starting the evening of March 13 through the early morning of March 14.

Unlike a total solar eclipse — which can only be seen in certain locations for a few minutes — a total lunar eclipse is visible in the sky for a few hours and can be seen in larger parts of the world, per theNational Weather Service. Lunar eclipses also occur more frequently than solar eclipses and are safe to view with the naked eye. That being said, this will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022, making it a rare celestial event.

In astrology, eclipses are known to bring plenty of change in a person’s life and astrologerValerie Mesatells PEOPLE this lunar eclipse is “all about illumination and powerful endings,” adding that “they’re known to shed light on what’s been hidden beneath the surface so we can purge and release what doesn’t serve us.”

Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming total lunar eclipse, including where it will be visible.

When is the 2025 total lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipse over Thailand Jan. 31 2018.Getty

Getty

The first total lunar eclipse of the year will take place in the evening between March 13 and March 14.

Where will the total lunar eclipse be visible?

PerSpace.com, the total lunar eclipse will be visible across North America — including all 50 states — South America, Europe, Africa and Oceania — which includes New Zealand.

What time does the total lunar eclipse start?

Partial lunar eclipse in France Sept. 18 2024.DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty

DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty

Getting a good glimpse at the total lunar eclipse will depend on your location. Per NASA, the lunar eclipse will begin at 11:57 p.m. EDT, and reach totality 2:26 a.m. The moon will stay in totality for a little over an hour, ending at 3:31 a.m. The lunar eclipse will then end at 6:00 a.m.

How do you watch the total lunar eclipse?

The total lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse which requires special glasses or other tools to safely view.

During the lunar eclipse,NASArecommends observing the eclipse in a dark spot away from bright lights and using binoculars or a telescope for the best view. While you’re observing the lunar eclipse, stargazers may also be able to catch a glimpse at Jupiter and Mars in the western part of the night sky.

When is the next lunar eclipse?

Total lunar eclipse.Jan Hetfleisch/Getty

The next total lunar eclipse will take place on Sept. 7 andNASAreports it is expected to be visible across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

source: people.com