Tonight, skywatchers across the Americas and beyond were treated to a spectacular celestial event: a blood moon total lunar eclipse. This article provides a summary of this breathtaking phenomenon, including when and where it was visible, the science behind the red hue, and what to expect if you missed it. Based on recent news reports, the total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, offered a stunning display, turning the full moon a coppery red.
Key Takeaways:
- A blood moon total lunar eclipse occurred overnight from Thursday, March 13th into Friday, March 14th, 2025.
- The eclipse was visible across most of North and South America, as well as parts of Africa, Europe, Australia, Russia, and Japan.
- The “blood moon” effect is caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.
- No special equipment was needed to view the eclipse safely.
- Cloud cover impacted visibility in some regions, such as parts of Colorado.
- If you missed this event, the next total lunar eclipse visible to Coloradans will be on March 3, 2026.
What is a Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. When this alignment is perfect, the entire moon enters the Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. The term “blood moon” refers to the reddish hue the moon takes on during totality. This occurs because sunlight, while blocked directly, is refracted and filtered by Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths of light, like blue, are scattered away, while longer wavelengths, like red, are bent and reach the moon, giving it that characteristic coppery or reddish glow. This is the same phenomenon that causes sunsets and sunrises to appear red [Source: NBC News].
When Did the Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Happen?
The total lunar eclipse occurred late on Thursday, March 13th, and continued into the early hours of Friday, March 14th, 2025. According to Time and Date, the partial phase of the eclipse began around 11:09 PM MDT, with totality happening from 12:26 AM to 1:31 AM MDT on Friday morning. For those on the East Coast, totality occurred between 2:26 AM and 3:32 AM ET [Source: EarthSky].
Where Was the Eclipse Visible?
This total lunar eclipse was widely visible across the Americas. Reports indicated that it could be seen across the U.S. [Source: NBC News], including in Colorado [Source: Denver7]. The eclipse was also visible in the western halves of Africa and Europe, the eastern parts of Australia and Russia, and northern Japan [Source: NBC News].
Viewing Conditions in Colorado
While the total lunar eclipse was anticipated to be a spectacular sight in Colorado, cloud cover from an incoming storm posed a potential challenge for viewers. Meteorologists predicted a 50-60% cloud cover for the Urban Corridor, but there was hope for breaks in the clouds around the time of totality. The National Weather Service suggested that southeastern Colorado and the Eastern Plains had the best chance for clear viewing conditions with lower cloud cover percentages [Source: Denver7].
How to Observe a Lunar Eclipse
One of the great things about lunar eclipses is that they are completely safe to view with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, you don’t need any special glasses or filters. According to Ron Hranac with the Denver Astronomical Society, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, allowing you to see more details as the Earth’s shadow moves across the moon [Source: Denver7].
Missed Tonight’s Blood Moon?
If cloud cover or sleep prevented you from witnessing tonight’s blood moon total lunar eclipse, don’t worry! While total lunar eclipses typically occur once or twice a year, the next one visible to Coloradans is expected on March 3, 2026 [Source: Denver7]. Additionally, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible in Denver on August 28, 2026, starting around 8:30 p.m. MDT, offering another opportunity to observe this celestial phenomenon.
Hopefully, many were able to witness the beauty of the blood moon total lunar eclipse tonight. It serves as a reminder of the incredible wonders of our universe.
