Rare lunar eclipse to light up skies on March 13-14, first of two in 2025 |
Get ready for a celestial spectacle as two major eclipses are set to unfold in March 2025, captivating skywatchers across North America.
13-14 March: Total lunar eclipse
The first total lunar eclipse since 2022 will take place on the night of 13-14 March, causing the moon to turn red in what is expected to be one of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events. This phenomenon occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, casting a shadow over the moon. While this will be the first of two lunar eclipses in 2025, it will be the only one visible across the United States and Canada.
The total eclipse will occur between 2:26 a.m. EDT and 3:31 a.m. EDT, meaning many will need to stay up late to witness the spectacle. The event will last 65 minutes, and while cloudy conditions could obscure the view, a few breaks in the clouds may provide an opportunity to see the red-hued moon. This type of eclipse is often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” as the moon turns a reddish-orange hue. The colour shift is due to light passing through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering and distorting before it illuminates the moon.
Just a week after the lunar eclipse, the Northern Hemisphere will officially transition into spring with the March equinox occurring at 5:01 a.m. EDT on 20 March. During the equinox, the sun’s rays will shine most directly over the equator, creating roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night across the globe. Following this, the days will continue to lengthen and sunlight will become more intense, contributing to warmer temperatures, especially inside vehicles, where sunlight can cause dangerously high heat even on cooler days.
29 March: Partial solar eclipse
The excitement doesn’t end with the lunar eclipse. Later in the month, a partial solar eclipse will occur on 29 March, visible across parts of the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada. Although not as dramatic as the total solar eclipse from April 2024, this event will still be worth watching. The eclipse will begin in the morning, and those who still have eclipse glasses from last year can put them to use once again to safely view the phenomenon.
In New York City, around 22% of the sun will be obscured, while in Boston, approximately 43% will be covered, and in Quebec, over 72% of the sun will be hidden by the moon. Remember to use proper eye protection to avoid permanent eye damage during the event.
Make sure your eclipse glasses are intact and free of scratches to safely enjoy these remarkable celestial displays.
