Celestial spectacle: Why the night sky turns red this week–Don’t miss it!
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As the night sky prepares to stage one of its most mesmerizing performances, stargazers and night owls alike are buzzing with anticipation for the total lunar eclipse of 2025, affectionately dubbed the “blood moon.”
This celestial event promises to drape the moon in a cloak of deep, rusty-red hues, captivating onlookers with a breathtaking display.
How do you get the best view of the night that will paint the skies red?
What exactly is a “blood moon,” and why does it occur?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that blocks the sun's direct rays.
As the moon passes through Earth's umbra—the darkest part of the shadow—it takes on a dramatic red tint.
This is due to the refraction of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and allows only the red spectrum to reach the moon's surface. It's the same reason sunsets and sunrises often appear red.
The upcoming total lunar eclipse will grace the skies over North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa on the night of March 13-14.
For those in the US, the show begins at 12:55 a.m. ET, offering a late-night spectacle that's well worth staying up for. Remember, this event won't be repeated in the US until March 2026, as per NASA.
The entire event unfolds over approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes, with the moon first entering the penumbra—Earth's lighter, outer shadow—before moving into the umbra for the main event.
The totality phase, when the moon is fully engulfed in shadow, will last around 65 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the view and snap some unforgettable photos.
Also read: Stranded in orbit: How spacecraft issues left NASA astronauts adrift—their harrowing journey back to Earth
If you happen to miss this particular blood moon, don't fret. The universe has a way of offering encores.
From 2025 to 2030, there will be 14 lunar eclipses, and nine of these will be visible from the US. So, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness this natural wonder in the coming years.
To make the most of this celestial event, here are a few tips:
1. Find a dark spot: Light pollution can hinder your view, so seek out a location far from city lights.
2. Dress warmly: Depending on your location, nights can be chilly, so bundle up to stay comfortable.
3. Bring binoculars or a telescope: While the blood moon can be enjoyed with the naked eye, these tools can enhance the details.
4. Capture the moment: If you're into photography, use a tripod and a camera with manual settings to photograph the eclipse.
5. Share the experience: Enjoy the eclipse with family and friends, or join a local astronomy club event for a communal viewing.
Source: Associated Press / Youtube.
Recommended for you: 2025 must-know dates: Don’t miss these key moments!
Are you planning a viewing party for the blood moon? Do you have any tips for first-time eclipse watchers? Or perhaps you have a story from a past eclipse that you'd like to share? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
This celestial event promises to drape the moon in a cloak of deep, rusty-red hues, captivating onlookers with a breathtaking display.
How do you get the best view of the night that will paint the skies red?
What exactly is a “blood moon,” and why does it occur?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that blocks the sun's direct rays.
A total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a “blood moon,” will occur late Thursday and will be visible over much of the Americas, western parts of Europe and Africa. Image source: The Secrets of the Universe / Youtube.
As the moon passes through Earth's umbra—the darkest part of the shadow—it takes on a dramatic red tint.
This is due to the refraction of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and allows only the red spectrum to reach the moon's surface. It's the same reason sunsets and sunrises often appear red.
The upcoming total lunar eclipse will grace the skies over North America, South America, and parts of Europe and Africa on the night of March 13-14.
For those in the US, the show begins at 12:55 a.m. ET, offering a late-night spectacle that's well worth staying up for. Remember, this event won't be repeated in the US until March 2026, as per NASA.
Source: NASA.
The entire event unfolds over approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes, with the moon first entering the penumbra—Earth's lighter, outer shadow—before moving into the umbra for the main event.
The totality phase, when the moon is fully engulfed in shadow, will last around 65 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the view and snap some unforgettable photos.
Also read: Stranded in orbit: How spacecraft issues left NASA astronauts adrift—their harrowing journey back to Earth
If you happen to miss this particular blood moon, don't fret. The universe has a way of offering encores.
From 2025 to 2030, there will be 14 lunar eclipses, and nine of these will be visible from the US. So, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness this natural wonder in the coming years.
Source: NASA.
To make the most of this celestial event, here are a few tips:
1. Find a dark spot: Light pollution can hinder your view, so seek out a location far from city lights.
2. Dress warmly: Depending on your location, nights can be chilly, so bundle up to stay comfortable.
3. Bring binoculars or a telescope: While the blood moon can be enjoyed with the naked eye, these tools can enhance the details.
4. Capture the moment: If you're into photography, use a tripod and a camera with manual settings to photograph the eclipse.
5. Share the experience: Enjoy the eclipse with family and friends, or join a local astronomy club event for a communal viewing.
Source: Associated Press / Youtube.
Recommended for you: 2025 must-know dates: Don’t miss these key moments!
Are you planning a viewing party for the blood moon? Do you have any tips for first-time eclipse watchers? Or perhaps you have a story from a past eclipse that you'd like to share? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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