“Celestial Wonder: Experience the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 14, 2025!”

Have you heard that a lunar eclipse can be seen from North and South America as well as Europe in March 2025?

While there won’t be a total solar eclipse in 2025, the next best event — a total lunar eclipse — will take place on two occasions.

On March 13–14, 2025, the full Moon will pass through the shadow of Earth, producing a lunar eclipse—a stunning display where the Moon’s surface appears reddish. 

This phenomenon, commonly referred to as a ‘blood moon’, will last for over sixty minutes and can be best observed from North and South America.

Discover when the next eclipse will occur

This concluding full Moon of winter, known as the Worm Moon, will experience its first total lunar eclipse since November 8, 2022, though it will be the first of two for 2025.

A second total lunar eclipse will take place on September 7–8, 2025, which will be predominantly visible from Asia.

North Americans will be unable to witness the second total lunar eclipse, while those in the UK will have a chance to observe it during moonrise on September 7.

Total lunar eclipses clarified

A total lunar eclipse transpires when Earth interposes itself directly between the Sun and a full Moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface.

The most shadowed area of Earth’s shadow, the umbra, envelops the Moon, resulting in a reddish tint.

This coloring, often referred to as ‘blood red’, is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering — essentially, the same effect that renders sunsets red.

Nevertheless, the hue is more often a pinkish or orange-tinted red rather than a deep blood red. 

Stages of a total lunar eclipse

Earth features two shadows: an outer penumbral shadow and a dark inner umbral shadow.

A total lunar eclipse only occurs when the Moon traverses through Earth’s umbra, but prior to this, it must first pass through the penumbra.

The event consists of five stages, each generally lasting about an hour: 

• Penumbral lunar eclipse: the full Moon enters Earth’s penumbra and starts to fade. 
• Partial lunar eclipse: the full Moon begins to move into Earth’s umbra and starts to turn reddish.
• Total lunar eclipse (lunar totality): the entire Moon is enveloped within Earth’s umbra. 
• Partial lunar eclipse: the full Moon begins to exit Earth’s umbra and starts losing its reddish hue. 
• Penumbral lunar eclipse: the full Moon begins to leave Earth’s penumbra and regains its brightness. 

The process reverses during totality, with the Moon reaching the center of Earth’s umbra and beginning to move out.

Best stages of a total lunar eclipse to observe

Every stage of a total lunar eclipse is fascinating for those who enjoy observing the Moon.

However, if you lack the time to witness the entire five-hour event — or simply wish to view the ‘blood moon’ phase, step outside during totality, when the entire surface will appear reddish.

During this total lunar eclipse, totality will be sustained for 65 minutes.

This offers you an ample opportunity to observe — and enough time to wait for a break in the clouds if that happens to be a concern on that night. 

Is viewing a total lunar eclipse safe?

In contrast to a solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is safe for naked-eye observation, and no specialized equipment is needed. Thus, eclipse glasses are unnecessary.

Since the Earth’s shadow diminishes the Moon’s brightness, an eclipsed Moon is considerably easier to view than a standard full Moon. 

When and where to observe the total lunar eclipse

North America

The total lunar eclipse occurring in March 2025 will be observable throughout North and South America, provided the skies are clear and it happens during the night hours. 

A total lunar eclipse is a worldwide event, hence it occurs at the same time — what matters is your geographical position on the planet.

You will witness it if you are situated on the night side of Earth during the occurrence.

If not, you will see none of it or possibly just the start or finish during moonrise or moonset. 

Here are the timings for observing all five phases of this total lunar eclipse from North America (EST): 

• Penumbral eclipse initiates: 11:57 p.m. EST (March 13)
• Partial eclipse initiates: 1:09 a.m. EST (March 14)
• Totality initiates: 2:26 a.m. EST
• Totality concludes: 3:31 a.m. EST
• Partial eclipse concludes: 4:47 a.m. EST
• Penumbral eclipse concludes: 6:00 a.m. EST

Here are the timings for the totality phase of the March 2025 total lunar eclipse across all North American time zones: 

• EST: totality from 2:26 to 3:31 a.m. (March 14)
• CST: totality
• EST: totality from 1:26 to 2:31 a.m. (14 March)
• MST: totality from 12:26 to 1:31 a.m. (14 March)
• PST: totality from 11:26 p.m. (13 March) to 12:31 a.m. (14 March)
• AKST: totality from 10:26 to 11:31 p.m. (13 March)
• HST: totality from 8:26 to 9:31 p.m. (13 March)

Europe

The lunar eclipse in March 2025 will be observable in select regions of Europe, including the UK, although viewers there will only see the initial stages before the moon sets.

In the UK, the eclipse will be only partially discernible just prior to moonset during the early hours of 14 March.

Here’s when to observe the first two stages of this total lunar eclipse from the U.K. (GMT):

• Penumbral eclipse commences: 3:57 a.m. GMT (14 March)
• Partial eclipse commences: 5:09 a.m. GMT
• Moonset occurs at 6:22 a.m. GMT (London)

Unfortunately for those in the eastern parts of the UK, the Moon will set mere minutes before totality.

Individuals located further west will have the opportunity to experience totality for a brief duration before moonset, but since the moon will be descending — at a moment when it already appears orange due to Earth’s atmospheric refraction — it’s debatable whether totality will be truly perceivable.

What remains certain is that the preceding partial eclipse, which showcases Earth’s shadow traversing the lunar surface, will be worth watching if the skies are clear.

Viewing a total lunar eclipse

The March 2025 lunar eclipse is an occurrence that can be appreciated with the unaided eye.

During totality, the Moon will look fainter and more reddish, though the degree of color may vary based on atmospheric circumstances (like the existence of smoke from wildfires).

Using binoculars will allow a closer inspection of the lunar surface, revealing subtle variations in color and texture during totality, whereas a telescope is optimal for observing intricate details and for astrophotography.

Discover more on this in our guide dedicated to photographing a lunar eclipse.

Even though the totality period attracts the most attention during a total lunar eclipse, do not overlook the penumbral and partial stages, which present considerable contrast and spectacle.

Another often ignored aspect of a total lunar eclipse is that the night sky darkens significantly during totality.

With moonlight effectively turned off, stars and subtle constellations become much easier to observe, including the Milky Way.

During totality, a bright Mars will be situated near the fully eclipsed Moon.

Northern lights

The Sun is currently experiencing its solar maximum phase, which indicates heightened activity, so there exists the potential for geomagnetic phenomena during totality.

This situation might allow for displays of the Northern Lights; however, if such a forecast is made, ensure you reach a location with minimal light pollution.

Despite the moon’s illumination being reduced for several hours, urban light pollution is likely to render any auroras virtually undetectable.

Monitor aurora predictions on the night of the eclipse.

Partial Solar Eclipse on 29 March, 2025

Just fourteen days following the total lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse will illuminate the skies.

On 29 March 2025, this phenomenon will be viewable from northeastern North America, certain parts of Europe, and the Arctic.

Regions such as Maine and Massachusetts will experience a partially eclipsed sunrise, with the Moon eclipsing up to 83% of the Sun.

In eastern Canada, Québec City will observe 72% of the Sun concealed, while Newfoundland will see up to 86% coverage.

Viewers in Europe, including the UK, will witness the eclipse in the mid-morning, with varying coverage (London: 31%, Cardiff: 35% and Edinburgh: 41%).

All observers are required to use solar eclipse glasses or solar filters to safely experience any portion of the event.

If you observe or capture images of any of the eclipses in 2025, please inform us! Get in touch by emailing [email protected]