Total lunar eclipse or blood moon: When and where to watch in India

A spectacular total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "Blood Moon," is set to occur on March 14, 2025. This eclipse coincides with the Worm Moon, marking the final full moon of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. As Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, the Moon will appear red due to the scattering of shorter wavelengths of blue light by Earth's atmosphere.

The eclipse will begin at 9:27 AM IST, peak at 12:28 PM IST, and conclude at 3:30 PM IST. However, since the eclipse takes place during the daytime when the Moon will be below the horizon in India, it will unfortunately not be visible from the country.

Indian astronomy enthusiasts will have to wait until September 7-8, 2025, for a full lunar eclipse that will be visible across India.

The best views of the March 2025 eclipse are expected to be in North and South America, where it will last for over 65 minutes. For those in India eager to experience the event, live streaming will be available across various social media platforms.

Key Details of the Event:

Time & Date:

The eclipse will start at 11:57 PM on March 13, 2025, and conclude at 6:00 AM on March 14, 2025. The most visually striking phase will occur between 2:26 AM and 3:31 AM IST.

Visibility:

The eclipse will be visible in parts of North and South America, Western Europe, Western Africa, and across the Atlantic Ocean. It will also be observable during moonrise in East Asia and at moonset in parts of Europe. Certain regions of Australia and Africa will have the opportunity to witness the event.

Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible from India due to its occurrence during daylight hours. However, viewers in India can still catch the event live through various streaming options.

Live Streaming Options:

Space Agencies & Observatories:

Agencies like NASA and various observatories will stream the event live. Links will be available on their official websites and social media accounts.

Time and Date Website:

The eclipse will be streamed live on the Time and Date website, offering global audiences the chance to watch online.

YouTube Channels:

Several astronomy-focused YouTube channels will likely broadcast the event live, so viewers can subscribe for notifications and updates.

Why Is It Called a Blood Moon?

The term "Blood Moon" refers to the reddish hue the Moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse. This occurs because sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere and falls on the Moon, with longer wavelengths like red and orange dominating, giving the Moon its signature reddish tint.

While "Blood Moon" is commonly used to describe any total lunar eclipse, it is especially associated with a "tetrad," a series of four consecutive total lunar eclipses. The upcoming March 2025 eclipse is part of such a tetrad, which includes eclipses in September 2025, March 2026, and August 2026.