How to Watch the Blood Moon: 2025’s Total Lunar Eclipses and What You Need to Know

March 11, 2025

Okay human kind, it’s time to get the calendar and look at the sky because in 2025 there are two total lunar eclipses. Yes, two times this year the Moon will turn black and red and it will be complete. If you want to see the cosmic version of a horror film, this is your chance.

When is the next Blood Moon?

First Eclipse: March 13-14, 2025
This one will be ideal for those of you who like to stay up late watching the sky. The Moon will turn a most eerie dark red as it passes into the Earth’s shadow. This will be a lunar event in prime time and will be visible from North and South America, parts of Europe and the Pacific.

Second Eclipse: September 7-8, 2025
If you missed the first one, fear not! The second total lunar eclipse of the year will be visible from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. So, if you are in the right place you will have another chance of seeing the celestial display.

What Makes the Moon Red? (It’s Not Alien Activity… Or Is It?)

When Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, it is still possible for some light from the Sun to find its way through our atmosphere. The result? Well, the Moon does not turn black, it turns red. Science calls it Rayleigh scattering. We call it celestial magic.

Some Interesting Information About Blood Moons

-The term Blood Moon is rather scary, but it is just the poetic way to describe the colour of the Moon during the total lunar eclipse.
- Some people think that Blood Moons are omens of important events: in the past, they have been associated with everything from wars to prophecies.
- The longest total lunar eclipse in the 21st century lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes in 2018 – the eclipses of 2025 will not be as long as that, but they will be beautiful.

Lunar Eclipse Myths & Folklore

-The Vikings thought that lunar eclipses occurred when a wolf called Sköll attacked the Moon.
- Ancient Mesopotamians though an eclipse meant their king was in danger, so they sometimes used other kings to fool the cosmos.
- Incan mythology said a jaguar attacked the Moon and made it bleed, so they made a lot of noise to chase it away!
- In Hindu beliefs, the demon Rahu swallows the Moon, but it comes out of his headless body and that was believed to cause an eclipse.

Where to Watch the Blood Moon Best (So You Don’t Miss It!)?

- North America & Europe (March 13-14): The best location is probably outside with the least amount of light pollution. The rural areas, high altitude and observatories are your best choice.
- Africa & Asia (September 7-8): Look for places with minimal light pollution such as dark sky parks, mountain peaks or anywhere far from cities.
- Online Live Streams: In case of bad weather conditions, space agencies and astronomers will be broadcasting the event. No need for a telescope to watch the event!

Best places to observe the lunar eclipse

-Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles, USA) – One of the best public observatories with a view of the city.

(Griffith Observatory)

Mauna Kea Observatory (Hawaii, USA) – This location is on top of a volcano and offers one of the highest clarity of night skies in the world.

(Mauna Kea Observatory)

-Royal Observatory Greenwich (London, UK) – A historic site with telescope viewing events.

(Royal Observatory Greenwich)

- Pic du Midi Observatory (France) – High altitude stargazing in the Pyrenees.

(Pic Du Midi Observatory)

Jantar Mantar (India) – A historic astronomical observatory in Jaipur ideal for sky watching.

(Jantar Mantar)

Sutherland Observatory (South Africa) – A dark sky destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

(Sutherland Observatory)

- Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve (New Zealand) - One of the best places for star gazing in the entire world.

How to Photograph a Blood Moon: The Perfect Shot

If you want to take the perfect picture of the lunar eclipse, then here is how:
- Use a tripod so your camera does not move and you do not get blurred Moon pictures.
- Set your ISO (you should start from 800-1600) to get the best image quality.

Enjoy the moment with your own eyes, too!

The Original Alien Abduction Lamp’s pro tip: Make it a watch party!

If you are going to watch something as great as a Blood Moon, then why not do it in style? You can create your own backyard with red lighting, moon themed treats like moon pies and of course, an out of this world UFO lamp to create the atmosphere. Who knows? Maybe the aliens are watching too.

You shouldn’t sleep through these celestial events because if you shut your eyes (or nod off), you will miss one of the most otherworldly moments of 2025. Happy sky watching!