Published on Thursday, March 13, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Stay up tonight to witness from start to end, the spectacular Blood Moon total lunar eclipse, which will occur from Thursday night into Friday morning.

According to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the "Blood Moon" may not sound as enchanting as a Blue Moon or Harvest Moon, but it lives up to its name, especially when it comes to its deep red hue during the total lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing the Moon to pass into Earth's shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon moves into the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra. While in the umbra, the Moon takes on a reddish-orange color. This phenomenon is why lunar eclipses are often referred to as "Blood Moons."

NASA explains that the Moon's eerie red color occurs because some sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the Moon’s surface. Colors with shorter wavelengths, like blue and violet, scatter more easily, while longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, pass through.

As a result, the Moon appears red or orange during the eclipse. The more dust or clouds in Earth's atmosphere, the redder the Moon will appear.

The eclipse will begin with partial phases at 9:57 p.m. Costa Rica Time (11:57 p.m. ET) on Thursday, March 13. The maximum eclipse will occur at 12:58 a.m. Costa Rica Time (2:58 a.m. ET), and the event will conclude at 4 a.m. Costa Rica Time (6 a.m. ET) on Friday, March 14.

No special equipment is required to view the eclipse, as long as the skies are clear. Moving away from city lights will improve visibility, and binoculars can provide a closer view.

NASA Television and the agency’s website will offer live coverage of the event, starting at 10 p.m. Costa Rica Time, or midnight. ET.

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Have you ever witnessed a Blood Moon while traveling in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com