Categories: Events/What's HappeningFestivalsHolidaysNews

Total Lunar Eclipse to Illuminate Atlanta on March 13

Total lunar eclipse visible over Atlanta on March 13, 2025

News Summary

On March 13, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will grace the skies above Atlanta, marking North America’s first Blood Moon since 2022. This celestial event will see the Moon take on a deep red-orange hue as it enters Earth’s shadow. The eclipse will last approximately 65 minutes, with crucial phases occurring throughout the night. Observers are encouraged to find locations with minimal light pollution for the best views of this stunning phenomenon. Gather your friends and family to witness a magical night under the lunar glow.

Total Lunar Eclipse to Illuminate Atlanta on March 13

Get ready, Atlanta! A total lunar eclipse is set to grace the skies on the evening of March 13, 2025. This mesmerizing event marks North America’s first Blood Moon since 2022 and is your chance to witness a celestial spectacle that won’t occur again until 2026!

What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly, casting Earth’s shadow over the Moon. As the Moon slips into this shadow, it takes on a stunning deep red-orange hue, crafting the stunning effect known as a Blood Moon. This captivating phenomenon is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same natural effect that gives our sky its blue color and makes sunsets glow with rich reds.

Mark Your Calendars: Key Phases of the Eclipse

For those in the Eastern Time Zone, here are the critical timings for the eclipse:

Penumbral phase: 11:57 PM on March 13
Partial phase begins: 1:09 AM, lasting until 2:26 AM
Totality: 2:26 AM to 3:31 AM (this is when the Moon will be fully covered by Earth’s shadow)
Partial phase resumes: 3:31 AM to 4:47 AM
Penumbral phase concludes: 4:47 AM to 6:00 AM

This total lunar eclipse is expected to last approximately 65 minutes, while the entire event—encompassing the partial and penumbral phases—will stretch over a remarkable six hours!

Where to Catch the Best Views

To ensure the best viewing experience, seek out locations with minimal light pollution and a clear horizon. Some top spots in the Atlanta area include:

Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville)
Mason Mill Park (Decatur)
Morgan Falls Overlook Park (Sandy Springs)
Red Top Mountain State Park (Acworth)
Brasstown Bald (Hiawassee)
Timberline Glamping, Lake Allatoona
UNG’s North Georgia Astronomical Observatory (Dahlonega)
Stephen C. Foster State Park (Fargo)

No special equipment is needed for this celestial event; however, binoculars or a telescope can enhance your viewing experience. Keep in mind that cloud coverage may impact visibility, and there are indications of possible clouds late Thursday night into early Friday morning.

What Lies Ahead?

After this total lunar eclipse, the next one occurs on September 7, 2025, but will only be visible in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The United States won’t see another total lunar eclipse until March 3, 2026. For those eagerly awaiting more lunar action, a partial lunar eclipse is expected on August 28, 2026, but true totality won’t return to the Americas until 2029.

With the last total lunar eclipse occurring back in November 2022, this upcoming event is a magnificent opportunity not to be missed. Prepare your viewing gear, gather friends and family, and make some magical memories under the lunar glow!