Lunar Eclipse 2025: Date, Time, and Visibility in India and Worldwide

Image credits: (Reuters/File)

The year 2025 is expected to bring several significant astronomical events, including the first lunar eclipse, which will take place on March 13-14. This event is particularly notable as it will be the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, and it is often referred to as a "Blood Moon" due to its reddish appearance. However, for those in India, the eclipse will not be visible, making it a missed opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts in the region. The lunar eclipse will be visible in North and South America, offering a unique spectacle for observers in these parts of the world.

The total lunar eclipse is expected to last for approximately five hours, with the peak eclipse time, where the moon will appear completely red, lasting about 65 minutes. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, blocking the direct sunlight that normally reflects off the moon's surface. As a result, the moon takes on a reddish hue due to the scattering of light through the Earth's atmosphere, a process that filters out shorter wavelengths like blue and green, allowing mainly longer wavelengths like red to pass through. The eclipse will be visible from various locations, including parts of North America, Alaska, Hawaii, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, providing a broad audience with the opportunity to witness this rare event.

The lunar eclipse is a result of the Earth's position between the sun and the moon, which occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's umbra, the darker inner shadow where the sun is completely obscured. This alignment is what causes the moon to darken and sometimes take on a reddish color, depending on the amount of dust and water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere. The process begins with the moon entering the Earth's penumbra, a lighter outer shadow, and progresses to the umbra, where the total eclipse occurs. Understanding the mechanics behind lunar eclipses not only enhances our appreciation of these events but also underscores the complex dance of celestial bodies in our solar system.

The timing of the lunar eclipse is crucial for observers, with the event beginning at 11:57 PM local time and ending at 6:00 AM the following morning. The eclipse will go through several phases, starting with the moon entering the Earth's penumbra, then progressing to a partial eclipse as it moves deeper into the umbra, followed by the total eclipse, and finally returning to a partial and then penumbral eclipse before the event concludes. Each phase offers a unique perspective on the eclipse, from the subtle darkening of the moon's edge as it enters the penumbra to the dramatic reddening during the total eclipse phase. For those interested in witnessing this spectacle, planning according to the local timing and preparing appropriate viewing equipment, such as telescopes or binoculars, will be essential.

In addition to the lunar eclipse, 2025 will also see a solar eclipse on March 29, which will be visible from parts of North America, Europe, and North Africa. This solar eclipse will be partial, with the moon covering about 94% of the sun's disk at its maximum. The path of visibility will include areas where observers can see the eclipse in its various stages, from partial to near-total coverage. Unlike lunar eclipses, which are safe to view with the naked eye, solar eclipses require special viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet international safety standards to prevent eye damage. The solar eclipse will occur during the day, making it a significant event for daytime observers, and its timing will vary by location, with the eclipse beginning at 2:20 PM Indian Standard Time and ending at 6:16 PM. The combination of lunar and solar eclipses in 2025 promises to make the year a memorable one for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public alike, offering opportunities to learn about and appreciate the celestial mechanics that govern our planet and its place in the universe.