How to Watch Massachusetts' First Total Lunar Eclipse in Years

Last spring, a total solar eclipse dubbed the "Great North American Eclipse" crossed over the entire country.

Though the path of totality ran from Maine to Texas in the U.S., many people on the Massachusetts did get to see the moon covering nearly 90 percent of the sun with the help of eclipse glasses.

Now the sun is getting its turn to block out the moon, and seeing it requires no special eyewear at all.

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The first total lunar eclipse in three years will happen in the early hours of the morning on Friday March 14, 2025 – but will we be able to enjoy it on the Bay State?

There's a chance cloudy skies will prevent perfect viewing of this week's total lunar eclipse, but if Mother Nature is on our side there will be quite the cool sight in the overnight skies.

What Is a Lunar Eclipse?

Total lunar eclipses are also known as a Blood Moon, because the Earth's shadow on the moon's surface makes it appear as an orangey red color to viewers.

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Skywatchers in North America have had to wait three years for this week's Blood Moon, the last one happening back in November 2022.

Luckily, if we miss this one, we won't have to wait nearly as long for another this time around. The next one visible from Massachusetts will be March 3, 2026.

When to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 14, 2025

As long as the skies stay clear, fans of celestial events can see this week's Blood Moon very early on Friday March 14. You just need to wake up at about 2 a.m. for it.

In Massachusetts (and all of the Eastern Time Zone), the Earth's shadow will be cast across the moon for 65 minutes. Optimal viewing time will be between 2:26 a.m. and 3:31 a.m.

Of course, if you sleep through it, the internet will likely help you out with plenty of cool pictures being posted.

Check Out These Incredible Photos Of the 'Blood Moon' Lunar Eclipse in Wyoming

Lunar Rainbow: Why the Moon Changes Colors, Explained

When the moon lies on the horizon, the color will be most intense, usually red or orange. When there's more blue light, as during the early morning hours, we're more likely to see purple and blue-tinged moons. Here's why:

Gallery Credit: Phylicia Peterson, Townsquare Media Laramie/Cheyenne

These Stunning Images of the Harvest Moon Are Almost Too Good to Be Real

The images are hard to believe, but professional photographer Aleksandar Baba-Vulic was able to capture the Harvest Moon in all its glory from Block Island.

Gallery Credit: Maddie Levine