When and where to see the next 'Blood Moon' lunar eclipse

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We all know the Moon is made of Swiss cheese – but you might mistake it for Red Leicester in a couple of months' time.

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Next month, Australia and Europe will witness the rare astronomical event known as a 'Blood Moon'.

But depending on your location on the planet, you'll see a different type of eclipse.

What's the meaning of a blood moon?

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The Earth has two shadows. The darkest, central shadow is called the umbra, while scientists describe the outer shadow as the penumbra.

Because the Earth is bigger than the Moon, the Earth's shadow can cover the entire lunar surface.

A penumbral lunar eclipse is the first stage of a lunar eclipse and is when our nighttime moon passes through the Earth's penumbra.

Then a partial lunar eclipse will follow as the Earth's shadow gradually swallows up the Moon.

A total lunar eclipse sees the Moon completely covered by the umbra. Once the Moon moves away, a second lunar eclipse will occur - a partial and penumbral one.

Projecting the colours of the sunset like a cinema onto a blank white screen.

So instead of the usual pale hue, the Moon is splattered with colours like pastel pink or burnt orange.

When is the Blood Moon due to appear?

Depending on where you reside,

The eclipse will begin as a penumbral one and then progress to partial and full across a period of about six hours. Totality – when the Moon is deep red in colour and in the darkest shadow – will last for more than an hour.

So, if you stick your head out the window and see nothing going on, don't stress. You just need to be a bit patient.

North and South America will witness the whole eclipse, Europe will see the start of the penumbral and partial phases, while Asia will get the tail-end.

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You might have to settle for the Moon going a bit of a pinkish hue before the Sun rises and it's completely out of sight.

For eclipse chasers in the UK, you won't get a total eclipse, but you will be able to see the penumbral phase.

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The spacecraft will first enter Earth's shadow, also known as the penumbra, at 3.57am EST on March 14.

Sydneysiders will have their best shot at seeing the blood-red moon at 6.19am just after the sun starts to rise and the working day officially begins.

This is because the eclipse's peak is at 6.58am when the Moon will have unfortunately dipped below the horizon.

What are the viewing times for the blood moon in the US?

The total lunar eclipse can be seen at the following times across the US:

• 2.26 to 3.31am AEDT on March 15
• 1.26 to 2.31am. Central Daylight Time on 14 March

• 12.26 to 1.31am MDT on 14 March
• 11.26pm AEDT on March 13 to 12.31am on March 14
• 10.26pm to 11.31pm AKST on March 13
• 8:28pm to 9:31pm Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time on 13 March

In Europe, only the western UK, Ireland, Portugal, central Spain and north-western France will witness the total solar eclipse.

In Western and Central Europe, a partial eclipse of the Sun can be seen just before the Moon sets and the Sun rises, for around 75 minutes.

How can I see the Blood Moon?

Fair dinkum, it's pretty easy, mate. Depending on your vantage point and the amount of dust, clouds and pollution in the air,

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow reduces the Moon's brightness, making it more visible than usual.

You probably won't need a telescope, binoculars or solar viewing glasses. However, observational gear can be used if you're keen to observe the subtleties of the Moon's colour change – seeing the grey craters, valleys, and mountains turn a deep red.

If you live in a city, the skies might be a permanent orange haze most days due to the not-so-glamorous effects of light pollution.

to check out what the darkest spot nearby is.

If you can't catch the lunar eclipse, many space agencies, observatories and stargazing websites host live streams you can tune into.

When's the next lunar eclipse going to happen?

This is best viewed from Asia.

Aussies won't get a look in on this celestial show, but Kiwis and Poms should be able to catch a glimpse during moonrise.

A version of this article was originally published on the 14th of January, 2025.

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