News Summary
Residents of North Carolina will have a chance to observe a Blood Moon lunar eclipse on the night of March 13. The event features several phases, from penumbral to totality, and promises a spectacular view as the moon takes on a reddish hue. Observers can enjoy this celestial display without needing special equipment, making it accessible to everyone. This lunar eclipse is significant as it marks the first such event in over two years for the region, enticing skywatchers of all ages to take part in this astronomical phenomenon.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Residents of North Carolina will have a rare opportunity to observe a Blood Moon lunar eclipse on the evening of Thursday, March 13, 2025. This celestial event, occurring late at night into early Friday, offers the first chance in over two years for local skywatchers to witness this distinctive spectacle, which is part of a globally visible eclipse across the Americas and parts of Europe and Africa.
Key Timing and Phases of the Eclipse
The lunar eclipse will begin at 11:57 p.m. Eastern Time, when the moon begins entering Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra. During this initial phase, the moon will gradually dim, leading to a noticeable reduction in brightness. This penumbral phase will last approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes, ending around 1:09 a.m. on March 14.
Next, a partial lunar eclipse will occur from 1:09 a.m. to 2:26 a.m., during which Earth’s shadow will progressively cover the moon’s surface, turning it a reddish hue. This partial phase will be visible regardless of observer location in North Carolina and is an engaging sight for viewers without requiring any special equipment.
Following this, the eclipse will enter its most striking phase, known as totality. During this period, which will last approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes—from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m.—the entire moon will be enveloped in Earth’s shadow. The moon will appear a deep red, often called a Blood Moon, owing to the way Earth’s atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight onto the lunar surface.
The event culminates as the partial eclipse ends at 4:47 a.m. EDT, marking the conclusion of this astronomical occurrence. It is important to note that the entire eclipse event spans from the initial penumbral phase through to the end of the partial phase, covering approximately 5 hours.
Visibility and Viewing Conditions
In North Carolina, the eclipse will be visible in its entirety due to favorable nighttime conditions. While no special equipment is necessary to observe a lunar eclipse, binoculars or telescopes can enhance the viewing experience, allowing observers to see more detail on the lunar surface during the various phases of the eclipse.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses do not require eye protection. Observers can watch the event safely with the naked eye without concerns for eye damage, making it accessible for viewers of all ages.
Background and Future Events
This upcoming blood moon is notable as the first lunar eclipse since November 2022 experienced in the region. The last total lunar eclipse observed in Raleigh was on November 6, 2022.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from North America will occur on March 3, 2026. Additionally, there are other notable astronomical events to anticipate, such as a partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, which will primarily be visible in northern Europe and will not be observable from Raleigh. The next solar eclipse that will be visible from the area is a partial eclipse on August 12, 2026, with only some northeastern counties in North Carolina experiencing it.
Looking further into the future, a total solar eclipse will pass through Raleigh on May 11, 2078, offering a rare opportunity for future skywatchers in the region to witness this spectacular event.
Additional Information
While the Blood Moon eclipse will be most visible across North and South America, parts of Africa and Europe may also witness the event. The complex celestial mechanics behind the eclipse involve Earth positioning itself exactly between the sun and the moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the lunar surface. The reddish appearance during totality results from shorter wavelengths scattering in Earth’s atmosphere, allowing longer wavelengths—red and orange—to reach the moon’s surface, thus giving it a distinctive hue.
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the night of March 13, start observing around sunset, and enjoy this natural astronomical display without the need for special protections or equipment, apart from possibly binoculars for an enhanced view.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Sorry, No Lunar Eclipse Tonight
- Axios: How to See the Rare Blood Moon in Raleigh
- CBS 17: Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Visible in America
- Charlotte Observer: Blood Moon Eclipse Coverage
- Forbes: See a Thousand Sunrises and Sunsets Light Up a Blood Moon
- Wikipedia: Lunar Eclipse
- Google Search: Blood Moon Eclipse
- Google Scholar: Blood Moon Eclipse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lunar Eclipse
- Google News: Blood Moon Eclipse
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
