North America Is in Prime Viewing Position for the Longest Lunar Eclipse of the Century

Lunar eclipses take place when the earth blocks the sun’s light and projects its shadow on the full moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon takes on shades of red and orange in a phenomenon called a blood moon.

Photo: Foto2rich/Shutterstock

If the sky is clear where you are and the moon is above the horizon, you should be able to see this exceptional partial lunar eclipse starting at 2 AM with the peak at 4 AM for those on the East Coast, and starting at 11 PM with a 1 AM peak for those on the West Coast.

Unlike with a solar eclipse, you don’t need to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the light. You don’t even need special equipment to see this partial lunar eclipse at all — the naked eye is enough. Here’s all the camping gear you need if you head out to see this.

For a total lunar eclipse visible in the whole of North America, you’ll need to wait until March 14, 2025. Alternatively you can plan a trip around the next total lunar eclipses by checking out Matador Network‘s list of the next 10 total lunar eclipses taking place around the world. And if that’s solar eclipses that you’re after, we’ve got the next 10 total solar eclipses all sorted out for you, too.