A total lunar eclipse — popularly known as a “blood moon” — is one of nature’s most breathtaking sky spectacles. While not as rare or dramatic as a solar eclipse, watching Earth’s shadow slowly darken and colour the moon in shades of red is an unforgettable experience.
Astronomy enthusiasts across North America may be disappointed to learn that the upcoming total lunar eclipse on 7–8 September 2025 will not be visible from the continent. However, the wait will not be long — the next blood moon visible across North America will take place on the night of 2–3 March 2026.
Why September 2025’s Eclipse Misses North America
A lunar eclipse is a global event, but visibility depends on which parts of the Earth are facing the moon during the phenomenon.
On 7–8 September 2025, the eclipse will be visible primarily across Africa, India, China, and Australia.
Western Europe may catch a brief glimpse of the moon turning red at moonrise, but most of the continent will miss the full spectacle.
Unfortunately, North America will be on the daylight side of Earth, meaning the event cannot be seen.
This eclipse will last for an impressive 82 minutes of totality, turning the moon a deep reddish hue — a sight skywatchers in other regions will surely enjoy.
The Next Blood Moon for North America: March 2026
For stargazers in the United States and Canada, patience will be rewarded. Exactly one lunar year later — about 354 days, or 12 moon orbits — another total lunar eclipse will occur.
Date: 2–3 March 2026
Totality Duration: 58 minutes
Visibility: North America, Australia, and East Asia (with the best view over the Pacific Ocean)
This means that while North Americans won’t see the September 2025 event, they can look forward to catching the dramatic red glow of the moon in early March 2026.
Who Will Get the Best Views in North America?
Visibility will vary across the continent, depending on location and timing:
East Coast (e.g., New York): Only a short glimpse of totality will be visible before the moon sets on the morning of 3 March.
Midwest (e.g., Chicago): Totality will occur very close to moonset, limiting visibility.
West of Kansas: Totality will be higher in the sky, offering a clearer view.
West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, British Columbia): The full eclipse, from beginning to end, will be visible high in the sky.
The best viewing conditions are expected in areas with reliably clear skies, such as the desert southwest of the United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California) and Hawaii.
A Rare Series of Eclipses
The March 2026 blood moon is notable because it is the third total lunar eclipse in a row within a single lunar year. These often occur in triads, typically accompanied by solar eclipses a couple of weeks before or after.
In fact, just before the March lunar eclipse, skywatchers will witness an annular solar eclipse on 17 February 2026. During this event, about 96% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon for just over two minutes — although the best view will be limited to Antarctica.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red During an Eclipse?
The “blood moon” effect is caused by Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight. As the Sun’s rays pass through the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue light) scatter away, while longer wavelengths (red and orange) bend towards the Moon. This creates the striking reddish glow that makes lunar eclipses so memorable.
Key Dates for Skywatchers
7–8 September 2025 – Total lunar eclipse, visible from Africa, Asia, and Australia (not North America).
2–3 March 2026 – Total lunar eclipse, visible across North America, Pacific regions, and East Asia.
17 February 2026 – Annular solar eclipse, visible primarily from Antarctica.
Final Thoughts
While North Americans will miss the September 2025 blood moon, the countdown is already on for the March 2026 eclipse, which promises a spectacular show for skywatchers across the continent. Whether you’re on the West Coast with a full view or catching a brief glimpse on the East Coast, this celestial event is one to mark in your calendar.
For the best experience, plan ahead: find a location with clear skies, minimal light pollution, and an unobstructed horizon. The next blood moon is a reminder that the universe puts on a show for everyone — you just need to be in the right place at the right time.
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