The first blood moon since 2022 is here. Here's how to see it

Australians are placed to just catch this rare celestial event.

The blood moon, or total lunar eclipse, has captivated humans for millennia. The ancient Mesopotamians believed it meant demons were attacking the moon. The Chinese understood it to be a dragon biting it. Even today, new-age astrologers have their own myriad interpretations surrounding eclipses (a great love about to enter your life? An unexpected revelation?).

The Blood Moon is a rare celestial event that occurs roughly every 1.5 years, but its timing varies. For instance, there hasn’t been a total blood moon since late 2022. But the stars have aligned (so to speak), and we are in for a celestial treat in 2025 with not just one, but two blood moons set to occur. And the first took place on Friday, 14 March. Here’s what to know.

The blood moon is a rare celestial event that happens on average once every 18 months. (Image: Flickr/PiConsti)

What is a ‘blood moon’?

A lunar eclipse occurs under very specific conditions, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are in close alignment and when the Moon is in full phase. This happens, on average, about three times per year. But a blood moon is a special kind of lunar eclipse that happens when the alignment on the Sun, Moon and Earth is exact, occurring on average every 1.5 years.

A blood moon happens under special conditions, when the Earth, Sun and Moon are perfectly aligned. (Image: Getty/PhilVisualHK)

The Earth blocks the sun, meaning that the light can only pass through the Earth’s atmosphere causing it to scatter, with longer-wavelength red and orange to refracting onto the moon and giving it a stunning red tint.

When to see it

Parts of Australia will be able to see a partial blood moon, but will get a better view of the next event later in the year. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The further east you are in Australia, the more of the eclipse you’ll see. Australia is right at the edge of the eclipse’s path, so unfortunately it will only be partially visible, and Western Australians will miss out completely. (If you’re in WA though, don’t fear – you’ll be perfectly placed to see the next blood moon, set to take place on September 7, 2025).

Australians in the east can start observing the eclipse from the time the moon rises, as it will already be in progress. Here’s when to set your alarm for:

Brisbane: 6:04pm
Sydney: 7:13pm
Canberra: 7:29pm
Melbourne: 7:40pm
Hobart: 7:32pm

If your city isn’t on this list, just head out whenever the moon starts to rise.

The eclipse will last between 10 and 42 minutes, depending on where you are. Aussies further east will experience the eclipse for longer. Happy moongazing!