Did you catch the spectacular “blood moon” total lunar eclipse? On March 13–14, 2025, the full “Worm Moon” transformed into a stunning reddish hue as it passed through Earth’s shadow.
North and South America enjoyed the best views of this event, with the moon appearing to slowly dim before glowing a beautiful copper-red during totality. This eclipse is the last total lunar eclipse visible in North America until 2029, with prime viewing times for those in the western U.S. occurring in the evening. Meanwhile, observers in Europe saw the moon slip into the shadow just before moonset.
So, what makes a blood moon look red? During totality, the moon travels through Earth’s shadow, and only certain wavelengths of sunlight reach it. Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue and green light, allowing reds and oranges to pass through. This magical interaction gives the moon its haunting glow.
Interestingly, this eclipse has historical significance. It was also called the “Columbus Eclipse.” In 1504, Christopher Columbus used a similar lunar eclipse to intimidate the Arawak people, convincing them to provide him with supplies. This recent eclipse occurred exactly one “hypersaros,” or 521-year cycle, after Columbus’s event. This connection shows how astronomical events have always played a role in human history.
The excitement didn’t stop with this eclipse! A total lunar eclipse is set to occur later in 2025, on September 7–8, with the full “Corn Moon” becoming a blood moon for about 82 minutes. This time, it will be best viewed from Asia, while North America won’t see another total lunar eclipse until March 3–4, 2026. Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of the western U.S. will have prime seating for this celestial show.
Total lunar eclipses, like this one, happen when Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon. During these events, the moon lights up in stunning colors, much like the glow of sunsets lighting up the night sky. NASA explains that this spectacle is like thousands of sunsets projected at once onto the moon.
As you can see, lunar eclipses are not just pretty sights; they connect us to our past and brighten our future. Whether you observed the recent blood moon or plan to watch upcoming eclipses, these celestial wonders remind us of the beauty and mysteries of our universe.
For current lunar and astronomical events, you can visit NASA’s official site for more insights.
Check out this related article: New Discovery Reveals How Saturn Outshines Jupiter in Cosmic Competition
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