By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN

A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon coppery red the evening of March 13 and early morning on March 14. The best views will be across North America and South America. Parts of Africa and Europe may catch a glimpse.

___

READ AP’S STORY AND WATCH THE VIDEO

Watch the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse in March

Video: Watch the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse in March

___

WHAT IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE?

A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth and moon line up in just the right configuration. The Earth casts a shadow that can partially or totally block out the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, stray bits of sunlight filter through Earth’s atmosphere and bend toward the moon, making it look red and giving the spectacle its nickname: the blood moon.

___

HOW OFTEN DO LUNAR ECLIPSES OCCUR?

According to NASA, the Earth, moon and sun line up to produce a solar or lunar eclipse anywhere from four to seven times a year. The last total lunar eclipse was in 2022 and a partial lunar eclipse was visible in the Americas, Africa and Europe last September.

___

HOW TO VIEW

Skywatchers don’t need any special equipment or eye protection to see a lunar eclipse. If clear skies permit, go outside and look up.

The blood moon will be visible everywhere that it’s nighttime for about an hour starting at 11:26 p.m. PT. Peak viewing is close to midnight PT.

___

ANY OTHER LUNAR EVENTS COMING UP?

If you miss out, the next total lunar eclipse is the evening of September 7 and early morning on September 8. It will be visible from Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Parts of the Americas will get another taste in March 2026.

___

READ PAST AP COVERAGE

Here’s your 2025 guide to the night sky and other celestial wow moments

Catch a partial lunar eclipse during tonight’s supermoon

August’s supermoon is the first of four lunar spectacles

AP PHOTOS: Total solar eclipse sweeps across North America

___