When Is the Next Blood Moon? Go Ahead and Mark Those Calendars!
After the recent blood moon in Nov. 2022, we have some time before the next one.
Last month was a beautiful spectacle known as a "blood moon." Oh, the big round, full moon, encompassing the night sky in all of its eerie, red glory. And it got people wondering, when is the next blood moon?
On November 7 and 8 of 2022, starting in the early (EST) hours began a total lunar eclipse, or what is also known as a "blood moon." Unfortunately, it was only visible (weather permitting) from Asia, Australia, North America, parts of northern and eastern Europe, and most of South America.
Did you get to see it? If not, that’s okay—there will be another one. Just not anytime soon. Let’s see how long you will have to wait until another blood moon rises into the sky for many to see and appreciate. And in the meantime, you can make plans so you won't miss it!
What is a blood moon?
A blood moon is also known as a total lunar eclipse. As Space.com explains, lunar eclipses can only happen during a full moon "when the sun fully illuminates the surface."
Related: 101 Quotes About Sunsets to Remind You of The Beauty in Each Passing Day
Why is it called a blood moon?
It gets its name from the mystical, red tint the full moon takes on during the eclipse process.
How often does a blood moon/total lunar eclipse occur?
Blood moons are not a common occurrence—two total lunar eclipses occur in a single year about once every three and a half years, and three total lunar eclipses take place in the same year about every 200 years.
What’s the difference between a total lunar eclipse, a partial lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the moon travels through the Earth’s umbra (or dark part of a shadow) and blocks all direct sunlight from illuminating the Moon’s surface. Since a little sunlight will still reach the lunar surface by passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, a reddish hue is created and is what we see covering the moon's surface. Again, this is why a total lunar eclipse is also referred to as a blood moon. Occasionally, depending on the moon, there can be a yellow or orange glow too.
Partial lunar eclipses are when only part of a full moon falls under the Earth’s shadow. When this happens, according to NASA, only 97% of the moon is covered during the peak of the eclipse.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth.
When is the next blood moon/total lunar eclipse?
March 14, 2025 — visible from North America, South America, Europe, Australia and the Pacific.
September 7, 2025 — only visible from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
March 3, 2026 — visible from North America, South America, Asia, Australia and the Pacific.
Mark your calendars with these dates, and hopefully, you are able to see the next blood moon/total lunar eclipse make an appearance around the beginning of 2025.
Next up, The Four Stages of a Total Solar Eclipse: A Revealing Look at the Great American Eclipse
