Moon phases result from changing angles between Earth, Moon, and Sun. Only one half of the moon is always illuminated by the sun. Moon's orbit is about 5 degrees off the Earth-Sun orbital plane
Earth blocks Sun's light from reaching Moon during Full Moon. Total eclipse occurs when Earth, Moon, and Sun form straight line. Moon turns red due to Earth's atmosphere scattering blue light
Next full moon on January 13, 2025 at 5:27 P.M. EST. Two total lunar eclipses in 2025: March 14 and September 7. Two partial solar eclipses in 2025: March 29 and September 21
Moon has eight phases in a lunar month. Moon cycle lasts about 29.5 days. Half of Moon's surface is always illuminated
Blood Moon refers to total lunar eclipses with reddish tinge. Earth's atmosphere filters out blue light during total eclipses. Rayleigh scattering causes violet wavelengths to be filtered out. Moon may appear yellow, orange, or brown depending on atmosphere
March 25, 2024: Penumbral eclipse lasting 4 hours 39 minutes. September 18, 2024: Partial eclipse lasting 4 hours 6 minutes. No total lunar eclipses this year, next in March 2025