Enjoy the exciting experience of a Total Lunar Eclipse March 14, 2025
Total Lunar Eclipse March 14, 2025 – A Celestial Dance in the Night Sky
Introduction
The Total Lunar Eclipse March 14 will be one of the most captivating celestial events in the month of March in 2025, that can be observed from Earth. During this phenomenon, the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that envelops the Moon in a distinctive, reddish hue. This event, often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” has fascinated humanity for centuries, inspiring myths, scientific inquiries, and awe.
In this report:
- Present details of this eclipse, from information generally available on the internet
- Talk about expectations on what you will see.
- Make suggestions on how to take a picture to remember the event.
- Give some examples of other lunar Eclipses.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse
Earth’s Shadow
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. There are two parts to this shadow: the penumbra, where only a portion of the Sun’s light is obstructed, and the umbra, where the Earth completely blocks the Sun’s light. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves entirely into the Earth’s umbra/shadow. Here we show the path of the Moon for the Total Lunar Eclipse March 14, 2025
Where will this eclipse be visible
Total lunar eclipses can be seen from anywhere on the night side of the Earth, making them more accessible than solar eclipses, which are limited to narrow paths of totality. This global accessibility allows for widespread appreciation and observation.
Dates and times that I present here apply for Western North America. If you are located elsewhere I suggest that you do what I would do and visit a good eclipse site like www.timeanddate.com and use your location to learn the specific information that you need to observe this event.
The following graphic is from the Time and Date website provides a good schematic of where the eclipse will be visible.
- The areas to the right will see the eclipse in the morning sky and the Full Moon will set before the end of the eclipse. Europe and Africa will experience this.
- The areas to the left will see the end of the eclipse. This will be towards the east the moon will rise in eclipse and will complete the final stages as it rises higher in the sky. This includes eastern Asia and Australia.
- The center will see the full eclipse from start to finish. this will include most of North America and western South America. In western Canada and Western USA the Eclipse will mostly happen just after midnight. The Website www.timeanddate.com calculates the time for your location.
Stages of this Total Lunar Eclipse March 14, 2025
The moon with be in the sky about 1/2 between Spica in Virgo and Regulus in Leo. In altitude it will stand about 45 degrees (Half-way) up in the sky to the South.
A total lunar eclipse is divided into several stages:
| Event | Description | Time: (UTC) |
| Penumbral Eclipse Begins: | The Moon enters the Earth’s penumbral shadow, and the shading is subtle. | Mar 14 at 03:57:28 |
| Partial Eclipse Begins: | The Moon starts to enter the Earth’s umbra, and a noticeable darkening occurs. | Mar 14 at 05:09:40 |
| Total Eclipse Begins: | The Moon is fully within the Earth’s umbra, and it takes on a reddish color. | Mar 14 at 06:26:06 |
| Maximum Eclipse: | The peak of the eclipse, where the Moon is deepest within the umbra. | Mar 14 at 06:58:43 |
| Total Eclipse Ends: | The Moon begins to exit the umbra, losing its reddish tint. | Mar 14 at 07:31:26 |
| Partial Eclipse Ends: | The Moon completely leaves the Earth’s umbra. | Mar 14 at 08:47:52 |
| Penumbral Eclipse Ends: | he Moon exits the penumbra, and the eclipse concludes. | Mar 14 at 10:00:09 |
UTC offset for N. America: PDT -7: MDT -6; CDT -5; EDT -4 hrs
- Overall Duration 6 hours 3 minutes
- Duration of totality 1 hour 5 minutes
Why is the Total Eclipsed Moon referred to as a Blood Moon
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon does not become completely dark. Instead, it is illuminated by sunlight that passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. This light is refracted and scattered, with shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) being scattered more than longer wavelengths (red and orange). As a result, the remaining light that reaches the Moon’s surface is predominantly red, giving the Moon its characteristic reddish hue.
The colour of the eclipsed moon always varies from eclipse to eclipse. What will the hue/colour be for this eclipse?
This image is from the Jan 21st 2019 Eclipse. The eclipse in 2019 is a lot like this one, it happened in the late evening and the moon was high in the sky. This photo was taken mid eclipse near the point of maximum eclipse.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Total lunar eclipses have held significant cultural and historical importance across various civilizations. Ancient cultures often viewed eclipses as omens or messages from the gods. For example, the Inca believed that a jaguar was attacking the Moon, while the Mesopotamians thought it signaled the anger of the gods. In contrast, during the 16th century, Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of an upcoming lunar eclipse to frighten indigenous people in Jamaica into providing food and supplies.
Scientific Advancements
Eclipses have also been pivotal in advancing scientific knowledge. Observations of lunar eclipses have helped astronomers understand the Earth’s atmosphere, refine the measurements of the Earth’s size, and improve our comprehension of the celestial mechanics governing our solar system.
Viewing a Total Lunar Eclipse
Witnessing a total lunar eclipse is a relatively accessible event that does not require specialized equipment. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, although binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience. The best viewing conditions include a clear sky and minimal light pollution.
Preparation and Timing
To best observe a total lunar eclipse, it is important to know the timing of the event. Eclipse timetables are widely available at places like the Time and Date website I have listed. This will provide specific information on when each stage of the eclipse will occur.
For the best experience, find a location with an unobstructed view of the sky where the Moon will be at the time of the eclipse and have minimal artificial lighting in the direction of the moon’s position. If the time of the eclipse for you is in the early morning hours before dawn. Its important to choose a viewpoint that is clear in the West. If the time of the eclipse is in the evening or around sunset, a clear view of the eastern sky is most important.
Clouds can present a problem. Even though an uneclipsed full moon will shine easily through high cloud, Once the moon is in Eclipse and is dimmer, you will not be able to find it. Take a look at the clouds and find in a worse case a location where you will be able to spot the moon between holes in the clouds.
Finding a dark location is not absolutely required. I have observed lunar eclipse from an apartment balcony in the middle of the city. I was able to follow the event as it progressed around the buildings and office towers. Sometimes it can make for the most interesting images.
What Equipment can you use?
Using a telescope
Using a telescope with an equatorial mount provides a stable mount that can track and allow you to take close up images of the moon. I used a 4″ (110mm) APO Chromatic Refractor with a shorter (655MM) focal length. that fits the image of the moon nicely. and with a tracking mount it allows the Telescope to follow the moon as it tracks across the sky. Some of my best images of a Lunar eclipse have been taken this way.
This was the set-up for the Jan 2019 Lunar Eclipse. This image was from before totality.
Binoculars
Any pair of binoculars can give you an enhanced view of the eclipse. No need for special filters. Only a good tripod or table that will allow you to steady your hands as you look at the eclipse.
Cell Phone or Digital Camera (on a Tripod)
Cameras, either Cell Phone or Digital on a solid tripod is an excellent way to observe and photograph a total lunar eclipse. You may have to play with the manual settings or you can depending on the equipment us automatic focusing and framing features of the Camera/Cell Phone.
This was the quick setup for Nov 8, 2022 total solar eclipse
Just using your eyes
Just looking up without optical assistance is perfectly ok. You will not have to shield your eyes, it’s just the same as looking at a full moon at any other time.
Future Lunar Eclipses
Total lunar eclipses occur approximately twice a year, although the exact frequency can vary. Each event provides a unique opportunity to witness this celestial marvel. Upcoming eclipses are often anticipated by astronomers and enthusiasts alike, with many making travel plans to optimal viewing locations around the world.
The following is a table of some notable future Lunar Eclipses.
| Date & Time | Description/Type | Where visible | Special Notes |
| Sep 7–8, 2025 | Total Lunar Eclipse | Asia and Australia | not visible from N. America |
| Mar 2–3, 2026 | Total Lunar Eclipse | Central Pacific, Western N. America | In N. America this eclipse will be visible in the Morning and the moon will set before the completion of the eclipse. |
| August 27–28, 2026 | Partial Lunar Eclipse | S. America and Eastern N. America | Eastern N. America gets best view |
More information on future eclipses can be found here: www.timeanddate.com
Some Eclipses that I have recorded and why they are notable
I have been observing and recording Lunar Eclipses since the mid 1980s’ I have been imaging them since around 2008, when I purchased my first Digital Camera that I could use to take astrophotos. Digital imaging started for me at that time and this is what I mostly do now. All these are recorded and maintained in a log book, The following have been taken from that log book.
li-1522 November 8, 2022 – Total Lunar Eclipse from my driveway in the city.
For this Eclipse, we were having colder weather and there was snow on the ground, it was also late at night, so it was done with a minimal set-up of the DSLR Camera on a solid Tripod mount. and a 255 mm zoom lens. Exposure time and ISO were also set by experimenting with the light levels. It changes a lot from the partial phase to when it’s total. Also think the photo is slightly out of focus. So remember to check the focus. I have a photo of the setup for this eclipse elsewhere in this article.
li-1426 – Partial Lunar Eclipse Nov 2021
For this eclipse I set up my telescope in my driveway just outside of my garage.
Two photos: The one to the right is of the moon at maximum (Partial.) The Image below is of the set-up I used.
li-1334 – Total Lunar Eclipse Jan 21, 2019
Prime focus on Refractor taken out at a dark location north of Calgary. This eclipse is similar to the one that will happen this March. It was high in the sky around Midnight local time. This image is shortly after the start of the Totality.
li-713 Lunar Eclipse at sunrise – December 10 2011
This was unique, as it was just before sunrise and the eclipse was in progress. The moon appeared amoung the tall downtown Calgary skyline. This was an eclipse that was visible in the morning, such as locations in Europe or Africa.
li-1133- Lunar Eclipse Sept 27, 2015 – Elliston Park Public Night
This was during a Public Night. The moon rose in the east after the eclipse had begun. We also had to deal with clouds, which made finding the eclipsed Moon difficult until the clouds cleared
li-1064 – Partial Lunar Eclipse April 4, 2015 Front yard in the morning from Suburban Home
This was an early morning Lunar Eclipse that we see on the horizon, through tree branches. This was taken using my Canon 60Da, 255mm zoom lens, mounted on a Tripod.
li-1027 – Lunar Eclipse October 8, 2014 from condo Balcony in middle of city
This was an example of a Lunar Eclipse through thin cloud.
li-719 – Total Lunar Eclipse – Feb 20, 2008
Probably my first Digital Photo of a Lunar Eclipse. This was taken with a Canon Powershot D7 camera which I was using at the time mounted on a Tripod. from my backyard at the time in the middle of the city.
Conclusion
More information is available about Eclipses on Author’s astronomy page www.rogernelson.ca
More astronomy stories at www.astronomicus.ca
About the author: Roger Nelson
Thank you from Northern Illinois. This is invaluable information and enjoyed reading it. My friend David Bohn from Ft Collins Colorado takes long exposures & stacks them getting distant galaxies, nebulas, stars he posts. Thank you for all your great info Nancy McCoy
Author
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