2025 will see two ‘blood moons’ and two solar eclipses – what you need to know

Did you experience the total solar eclipse across North America in April 2024? No single celestial event in 2025 will quite match that level of grandeur. However, there will still be plenty of excitement for skywatchers, with two total lunar eclipses – commonly called “Blood Moons” – and two dramatic partial solar eclipses visible at sunrise. Here’s everything you need to know about lunar and solar eclipses in 2025:

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1. The first ‘blood moon’ eclipse since 2022

When: 13.-14. March 2025 (short)

In mid-March, North and South America will have a front-row seat to a very special total lunar eclipse — the first since November 2022 — in the early morning hours in North America. For a full 65 minutes, the full moon will pass through Earth’s inner shadow – its umbra — and get a strange reddish color. During totality, the moon’s crimson glow will dominate the sky, making it a must-see event if the skies are clear. Observers across Europe will only catch a glimpse of the eclipse during waning moon.

2. A sunrise solar eclipse from North America

When: March 29, 2025 (short)

Later that month, parts of eastern North America and Europe will experience a partial solar eclipse. In regions like Maine and Quebec, the sun will rise as a crescent moon, with two “horns” visible on the horizon—a striking sight for early risers. Europe will experience the eclipse mid-morning, with the depth of the event varying from location to location. Dublin and Edinburgh will see 41% and 40% of the sun hidden respectively. Observers should use eclipse glasses and solar filters to view the event safely.

3. A ‘Blood Moon’ For Asia

When: 7-8 September 2025 (short)

The second total lunar eclipse will provide another opportunity to see a “Blood Moon”. This time the eclipse will be visible from Europe, Africa and Asia, with North and South America missing out. When the full moon rises in Europe on the evening of September 7, it will already be in total eclipse.

4. An ‘Equinox Eclipse’ for the Southern Hemisphere

When: September 21, 2025 (short)

The planet will transition into a new season with another partial solar eclipse visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Occurring the day before the equinox to the south, the most dramatic views will be in New Zealand, where up to 73% of the sun will be hidden at sunrise. In Antarctica, research stations like McMurdo Station will see up to 69% of the sun covered. Observers across the South Pacific islands, including Fiji and Tonga, will also catch partial views of this celestial phenomenon.

I wish you clear skies and big eyes.