As the full moon set on March 3, it briefly entered Earth’s shadow, creating a spectacular total lunar eclipse. This was the last one visible in the U.S. until 2029.
For those who missed this event, various live streams and recordings are available online.
The eclipse lasted about 5 hours and 39 minutes, with the “totality” phase—when the moon turns a deep red—lasting nearly an hour. This breathtaking view was best seen from Central and Pacific Time zones, while East Coast viewers had limited opportunity around sunrise.
Globally, around 3 billion people saw part of this phenomenon, with many sharing their experiences on social media. Images from places like Mexico City, Manila, and India captured the moon’s striking transformation against familiar landscapes.
Total lunar eclipses are also called “blood moons” due to the reddish hue the moon takes on. This effect, known as Rayleigh scattering, occurs when Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight. Shorter blue wavelengths are absorbed, while longer red wavelengths illuminate the moon.
Interestingly, eclipses always happen in pairs. For example, a solar eclipse occurred two weeks prior on February 17. This fascinating pattern showcases both the beauty and complexity of our solar system.
The next total lunar eclipse in North America is set for June 26, 2029, making this event a rarity worth experiencing.
For an in-depth look into lunar events, check out resources from NASA here.
