If you missed the rare “Worm Blood Moon” that occurred earlier this morning on March 14, 2025, don’t worry. Although it was a spectacular event visible in parts of North and South America, Europe, and North Africa, there’s always another opportunity to witness this mesmerizing celestial phenomenon.
What Happened During the ‘Blood Moon’?
The recent event was a total lunar eclipse, where Earth positioned itself directly between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment caused Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon, giving it an eerie, crimson glow. The reddish hue is due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. Sunlight bends around Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths like blue and violet, while allowing the longer, reddish wavelengths to illuminate the Moon, similar to the colors seen during sunsets.
When Is the Next Lunar Eclipse?
Lunar eclipses, though not rare, don’t happen frequently. Typically, a few occur every decade. The most recent ones were on November 8, 2022, and March 13-14, 2025. However, you won’t have to wait too long for the next one. The next total lunar eclipse is expected on September 7-8, 2025.
This upcoming eclipse will be visible primarily in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. The total eclipse — where the Moon is fully bathed in red — will last for a remarkable 82 minutes.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
As NASA explains, the red hue of the Moon during a lunar eclipse is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same process that makes our skies blue and sunsets orange. When sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered, leaving only the longer, reddish wavelengths. These red wavelengths then bathe the Moon in an otherworldly glow.
Various cultures even have unique names for this event, referring to it as the “Hunter’s Moon,” “Worm Moon,” or “Beaver Moon,” depending on the season in which it occurs.
Mark Your Calendar for the Next Lunar Eclipse!
If you missed the recent “Worm Blood Moon,” don’t forget to mark your calendar for the next lunar eclipse coming later this year. The event will be observable in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. It’s a chance to enjoy another cosmic spectacle and see the Moon glow red in the night sky.
Stay tuned for more updates on this celestial event and be sure to catch the next eclipse!
- Source: GULF NEWS
