Get ready for an out-of-this-world show! This week, skygazers are treated to a rare occurrence, the final full moon of winter, the Worm Moon, and a total lunar eclipse. The two headliners will illuminate the darkened sky and share a photo-op moment with the fortunate observers who get to see them.
The eclipse of the moon occurs Thursday, March 13, late to Friday, March 14, 2025. The moon will glow like a reddish, fire-like “blood moon” for 1 hour and 5 minutes because the Earth will shadow it. Several hours later, suddenly once more, the light, golden Worm Moon will burst into the horizon at sunset to announce winter’s end and the start of spring.
From the optimum viewing times to the optimum viewing spots, here’s everything you need to know to witness these phenomenal cosmic events.
Time and Venue to View the Total Lunar Eclipse
The Earth creates a shadow that entirely covers the moon’s surface when the Earth gets in the middle of the sun and the moon. This is called a total lunar eclipse. Unlike the solar eclipse during which one must rely on protective goggles, lunar eclipses are safe views without special protection.
The lunar eclipse will be visible all worldwide but the best views will be from North America. The time will vary depending on where they are. Here is when one should be outside:
- New York (EST): 2:26 – 3:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14
- Chicago (CST): 1:26 – 2:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14
- Denver (MST): 12:26 – 1:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14
- Los Angeles (PST): 11:26 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 12:31 a.m. on Friday – March 14
- Anchorage (AKST): 10:26 – 11:31 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
- Honolulu (HST): 8:26 – 9:31 p.m. on Thursday, March 13
The total lunar eclipse will begin to have its partial phase about one hour before it eclipses, so make sure you step outside beforehand to watch. Captivating to watch Earth’s shadow crawl slowly across the moon, transforming it into a hue of red, along with the most important event.
Best Place to Witness the Full Worm Moon
Once the eclipse fades away, another heavenly fair is left behind. On the evening of March 14, 2025, the Worm Moon should rise in the east, shining bright in the dusk sky. The voice of the full moon emerges from the earthworms as they begin to appear from under the melting ground by spring.
Mark your calendars for some of these times to see when the Worm Moon rises over different cities:
- New York: Moonrise – 7:38 p.m. EDT
- Los Angeles: Moonrise – 7:41 p.m. PDT
- Chicago: Moonrise – 7:16 p.m. CDT
- Denver: Moonrise – 6:52 p.m. MDT
- London: Moonrise – 6:31 p.m. GMT
The view of the full moon is most pleasant on wide stretches of land, particularly toward the east. If weather conditions allow, you would see the Worm Moon first appear golden-orange before later becoming bright white as it ascends into the sky.
This is the perfect opportunity to shoot beautiful images of the moon rising behind city skylines, mountains, or trees. A tripod and a zoom lens should ensure capturing quite a sharp detailed image of the lunar surface.
What’s Next in the Sky?
However, if this week’s lunar events cast a spell over you, don’t worry. There’s more to look forward to in the celestial heavens:
- Partial Solar Eclipse – March 29, 2025
Partial solar eclipse visible from parts of northeastern U.S., eastern Canada, and Europe. Solar eclipses unlike lunar eclipses require special eclipse glasses for viewing safely.
- Pink Moon – April 12, 2025
The next full moon will simply be called the Pink Moon as it will be the first full moon of spring; not, of course, that it will be pink; it does mark the blooming of early flower wildflowers and the warmer months to come.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse- October 17, 2025
The next lunar event is going to happen later in the year with the moon being only partially covered by the Earth’s shadow.
Whether you are watching a total lunar eclipse in the evening or catching the full Worm Moon at moonrise, you will see that this week’s night sky promises some wonderful sights worth waiting for. So mark them on your calendars, set those alarms, and indulge in this rare occurrence of back-to-back celestial experiences!
Wishing you clear skies with lasting, unstoppable views!
