In the early hours of March 14, 2025, stargazers across the Americas, parts of Europe and Africa, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans witnessed a breathtaking celestial event—a Blood Moon during a rare total lunar eclipse. The phenomenon occurred as the Sun, Earth, and Moon aligned, casting Earth’s shadow over the Moon, which glowed a striking reddish hue instead of being completely obscured.
Dr. Daniel Brown of Nottingham Trent University explained that this red color results from sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere, similar to how sunrises and sunsets appear red. The eclipse, nicknamed the “Blood Worm Moon,” lasted around six hours, with the totality phase—when the Moon is entirely in Earth’s shadow—lasting just over an hour.
This event, a Micromoon, featured the Moon at its farthest distance from Earth, making it appear smaller than usual. In contrast, a Supermoon was observed during the last total lunar eclipse in 2022.
While Dr. Brown expressed reservations about the term “Blood Moon,” citing its negative connotations, he highlighted the inspiring narratives linked to such events. In some African cultures, lunar eclipses symbolize harmony, encouraging people to resolve conflicts, a sentiment he called “an amazing story that should inspire us all.”
The next total lunar eclipse will occur in September, but celestial enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for another spectacle. A partial solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on March 29, visible in parts of Europe, eastern Canada, northern Russia, and northwest Africa. Observers are advised to use special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors for safe viewing.