Partial lunar eclipse

When is the next lunar eclipse?

The next lunar eclipse will be a total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025.

The full phase of the lunar eclipse will be visible across the U.S., with at least some portion of the eclipse visible across Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and much of Africa, according to Timeanddate.

Lunar eclipses happen when Earth aligns between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon's surface. These eclipses can only occur during a full moon, making them a fascinating target for skywatching.

Related: Solar eclipse guide: When, where & how to see them

There are three types of lunar eclipses depending on how the sun, Earth and moon are aligned at the time of the event.

1. Total lunar eclipse: Earth's shadow is cast across the entire lunar surface.
2. Partial lunar eclipse: During a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the moon enters Earth's shadow, which may look like it is taking a "bite" out of the lunar surface.

   Earth's shadow will appear dark on the side of the moon facing

   how long does a total lunar eclipse last
   how long a total solar eclipse can last