Best times to watch ‘blood worm moon’ total lunar eclipse from SoCal

A stunning celestial event is set to captivate skywatchers this week as a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as the “blood worm moon,” will grace the night sky. People across Southern California and the entire United States will have the opportunity to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. This marks the first total lunar eclipse visible throughout the country in nearly three years, with the next one expected in March 2026—though that one will only be visible in certain parts of the U.S., including Los Angeles.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is completely aligned with the Earth and the sun, causing it to pass through the Earth’s shadow. Unlike solar eclipses, which require special protective glasses to view safely, lunar eclipses can be seen with the naked eye without any risk. The deep red hue that the moon takes on during the eclipse has earned it the nickname “blood moon.” This reddish color happens because the Earth’s atmosphere filters out shorter wavelengths of light, allowing only the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon. In essence, during a total lunar eclipse, the moon reflects the glow of all the sunrises and sunsets occurring on Earth at that moment.

For those in Southern California hoping to catch this celestial event, the Griffith Observatory has provided key times for when different phases of the eclipse will take place. The moon will rise at 6:44 p.m., with the penumbral eclipse beginning at 8:57 p.m. The umbral eclipse, which is when the moon starts passing into the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, will start at 10:09 p.m. The total eclipse will begin at 11:26 p.m., reaching its peak—known as the greatest eclipse—at 11:59 p.m. The total eclipse will end at 12:31 a.m., followed by the umbral eclipse concluding at 1:48 a.m. The final stage, the end of the penumbral eclipse, will happen at 3:00 a.m.

The Griffith Observatory will also be hosting an online broadcast for those who may not have the chance to step outside or who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes. The broadcast will begin at 8:50 p.m. and conclude at 3:05 a.m., covering the entire duration of the eclipse.

There are three different types of lunar eclipses: penumbral, partial, and total. Penumbral eclipses are the least noticeable, as they only result in a faint dimming of the moon’s brightness. A partial eclipse is more dramatic, with a section of the moon appearing as if a bite has been taken out of it. A total lunar eclipse, however, is the most striking, as the entire moon becomes covered in the Earth’s shadow, taking on a deep red or copper color.

Astrophysicist Dr. Angela Speck describes the process that gives the moon its distinctive red appearance. She compares it to Pink Floyd’s famous “Dark Side of the Moon” album cover, where light passes through a prism and is bent into different colors. In a similar way, as sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, it bends and scatters, allowing only the red wavelengths to illuminate the moon. Another way to understand this effect is to imagine seeing the light of every sunrise and sunset on Earth reflected on the moon at the same time.

The term “blood worm moon” comes from old folklore and is linked to the idea that earthworms tend to emerge from the thawing ground around this time of year. This is why the March full moon is sometimes referred to as the “worm moon,” and when it coincides with a lunar eclipse, the combined name “blood worm moon” is used.

As long as the skies remain clear, the total lunar eclipse will be visible to the naked eye from anywhere in Southern California. While no special equipment is necessary, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view and allow observers to see more details on the moon’s surface. Those who wish to witness the event should look to the southeast sky for the best vantage point.

This rare and beautiful sight is not to be missed, as it offers a unique chance to observe one of nature’s most incredible displays. For astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike, the total lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable experience.