The Celestial Show Pennsylvania Was Waiting For
Pennsylvania sky watchers had a reason to stay up late last night as they witnessed a stunning total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025. This was a particularly special astronomical event as it was the first of its kind visible from the state since 2022. Lunar eclipses bask in the allure of turning the Moon a dramatic red, a spectacle often called a 'blood moon'.
The celestial performance reached its peak between 2:26 AM and 3:31 AM EDT. People in Philadelphia were eagerly waiting for the moment of maximum visibility at 2:58 AM. Unfortunately, they had to contend with about 65% cloud cover. Nonetheless, locations like Allentown and Reading offered clearer skies for many who braved the early hours to catch the sight.
Playing Into Earth's Shadow
During this lunar eclipse, the Moon snuck into Earth's shadow, a process beautifully explained by Deborah Skapik, an astronomy professor at St. Joseph’s University. As she described, this alignment causes the Moon to adopt a reddish tint due to the scattering of light through Earth's atmosphere—a phenomenon that never ceases to mesmerize those who witness it.
Overall, the eclipse spanned a generous six hours from start to finish, allowing ample opportunity for onlookers to step outside and capture the moment. Besides Philadelphia, cities like Pittsburgh experienced 74% cloud cover, while Scranton had an 80% cloud obstructive sky. Despite the clouds, no special equipment was necessary to enjoy the event, making it fully accessible to anyone willing to gaze up at the sky.
For the curious and the enthusiasts alike, the next chance to celebrate a similar cosmic event will be on March 3, 2026. Until then, residents will have the memory of this beautiful blood moon to cherish.