# When was the last total lunar eclipse? Hint: It's been years!

It has been nearly three years since the last .

The phenomenon occurs when the moon and the sun are on opposite sides of Earth, according to NASA. When this happens, Earth blocks sunlight that normally reaches the moon.

Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon's surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

Total lunar eclipses are often called a "blood moon" because of their tendency to turn red when covered by the Earth's shadow.

Here's a look back at the last total lunar eclipse, and how celestial fans can see the next one.

## When was the last total lunar eclipse?

The last total lunar eclipse took place on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. It marked the first Election Day total lunar eclipse in U.S. history, according to .

The phenomenon was also visible in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, according to the website of EarthSky.org.



## When is the next total lunar eclipse?

The upcoming total lunar eclipse occurs March 13-14.

The website  predicts the moon will complete all of the eclipse phases in 6 hours and 3 minutes.

If you live in the U.S., the eclipse should begin around 11:57 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 13, reach totality around 2:30 a.m. EST, and complete the process around 6 a.m. EST Friday, March 14.

## Who will have the best view of the total lunar eclipse?

The total lunar eclipse will be visible in North America, South America, western parts of Europe, and Africa on Thursday, March 13 into Friday, March 14.

The website  recommends checking out this  option for 2025.
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