How to Catch Tonight’s Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse

Blink and you’ll miss it (sort of)!

Published March 13, 2025

(Image: Getty Images/Canva)

If you have plans on Friday night you might want to plan around this: On March 14, the sky will be very briefly transformed in parts of eastern Australia, with a blood moon lunar eclipse due to take place.

While many parts of the world will witness a full, blood-red moon in all its glory, Aussies will likely only catch the final moments of a partial eclipse as the moon is rising, and it will appear to be missing a sliver. So, if you want to see it, you’ll have to be prepared. Scroll on for everything you need to know about the blood moon lunar eclipse—including when and where to be to catch a glimpse.

Where is the Best Place to See the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Australia?

Unfortunately, no one in Australia will be able to see a full “blood moon,” so to speak. As mentioned above, Aussies in certain parts of the country will catch a sliver of the partial eclipse.

You will have to be on the East Coast of Australia to really see anything of the eclipse.

Those around the Brisbane and Byron Bay areas will have the best view and be able to see the eclipse for the longest, followed by those around Sydney (if you’re able to escape the light pollution), Rockhampton, Canberra, Hobart and then finally, Cairns.

What Time Is the Blood Moon Eclipse In Australia?

The Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse will be visible at different times—and remain for different durations—depending on where you are on Australia’s East Coast. According to the ABC, those around Byron Bay will be able to view the phenomenon for around 40 minutes, whereas if you’re up in Cairns, you’ll get about 10 minutes of viewing time. The broadcaster reports that the time to view in each city is:

Cairns: 6.34pm
Brisbane: 6:07pm
Byron Bay: 7:05pm
Sydney: 7:16pm
Canberra: 7:29pm
Hobart: 7:34pm
Melbourne: 7:40

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What Is a Blood Moon?

A blood moon is a colloquial name for a total lunar eclipse.

This is when the the Earth passes between the Sun and the full Moon, which casts a shadow over the moon because sunlight is blocked. The moon appears to turn various shades of red, like blood, as a result.

What Does a Blood Moon Mean?

Aside from its scientific explanation, there are thought to be various spiritual meanings and astrological significances of a blood moon.

In the Bible, there is a claim that a blood moon is a sign of the beginning of the end times. The book of Joel says: “the sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”

Astrologically, their significance is no less ominous, with blood moons typically ushering in a phase of chaos, disruption and powerful transformation. So, prepare yourself!

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Ella Sangster

Ella Sangster is the Digital Editor of Cosmopolitan Australia. Ella has been writing since 2017 and was previously the Digital Fashion Writer at Harper’s BAZAAR Australia and Esquire Australia. You can also find her words in The New York Times, ELLE Australia, marie claire Australia, Women’s Health Australia and T: The New York Times Style Magazine Australia. When she’s not researching obscure British fashion designers, writing about TikTok trends or plugged into a podcast, you’ll find her propped up at her closest beach (or beach bar).