However, the following full moon—March’s Worm Moon—will bring a rare total lunar eclipse, the first of its kind since 2022, as mentioned in a report by NASA.
When Is the Next Total Lunar Eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will occur on the night of March 13 or the early hours of March 14, 2025, depending on the time zone.
This celestial event will be visible across North and South America, offering a rare chance for skywatchers to witness the Moon turn a deep red as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
During the eclipse, the Worm Moon will move through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, resulting in a stunning phenomenon often referred to as a Blood Moon.
Understanding a Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow.
There are three types of lunar eclipses:
- Penumbral Eclipse: The Moon moves through the outer shadow of Earth, causing a subtle dimming.
- Partial Eclipse: A portion of the Moon enters the umbra, creating a visible dark shadow on its surface.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: The Moon is completely engulfed in the umbra, taking on a reddish hue due to the filtering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
The reddish-orange hue observed during a total lunar eclipse is caused by a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering—the same effect responsible for blue skies and red sunsets. When sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) scatter, while longer wavelengths (red and orange) pass through, casting a warm glow onto the Moon.
This effect makes it appear as though all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are being projected onto the lunar surface, creating the dramatic “Blood Moon” effect.
How to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse
For those eager to observe the March lunar eclipse, no special equipment is required, though binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view. A dark location away from city lights will provide the best viewing conditions.
The key moments of the eclipse are as follows:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:57 p.m. PDT (March 13) / 11:57 p.m. EDT (March 13)
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 10:09 p.m. PDT / 1:09 a.m. EDT (March 14)
- Total Eclipse Begins: 11:26 p.m. PDT / 2:26 a.m. EDT
- Total Eclipse Ends: 12:31 a.m. PDT / 3:31 a.m. EDT
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:47 a.m. PDT / 4:47 a.m. EDT
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 3:00 a.m. PDT / 6:00 a.m. EDT
Other Celestial Sights on the Night of the Eclipse
Apart from the Worm Moon eclipse, skywatchers can also catch a glimpse of Jupiter and Mars in the western sky.
The Moon will start the eclipse positioned in Leo, later crossing into the constellation Virgo, making it an excellent opportunity for stargazing.
FAQs
What is special about February full moon?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the February moon is called the Snow Moon, named after the typically heavy snowfall that characterizes the month.
Can February have two full moons?
A “Blue Moon” refers to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. Since the lunar cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, it is rare for two full moons to fall within a 30- or 31-day month. However, it is impossible for February, with its 28 or 29 days, to host a Blue Moon.
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