what moon is tonight

What Moon Is It Tonight? Catching Up on Lunar Events and More

Have you been wondering "what moon is it tonight?" You're not alone! With a high search volume of 200,000, many people are looking to the skies. While there isn't a specific lunar event dominating headlines tonight, recent and upcoming celestial events have certainly captured the public's imagination. Let's explore what's been happening in the world of lunar observation and what you can look forward to.

Recent Lunar Spectacles: Blood Moons and Total Lunar Eclipses

Recently, a stunning "blood moon" total lunar eclipse captivated viewers around the globe. This event, where the Earth passes directly between the sun and moon, casting a shadow and giving the moon a reddish hue, was a sight to behold.

Remembering the Blood Moon of 2025

In March 2025, a spectacular total lunar eclipse, often called a "blood moon," graced the night sky. According to reports from Axios and The New York Times, this event was widely photographed and observed across the world. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth positions itself between the sun and moon. This alignment blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon's surface. However, some sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere, scattering the blue light and allowing the redder wavelengths to reach the moon, giving it a characteristic reddish glow. This phenomenon is why it's often called a "blood moon." Many people across the Americas, potentially over a billion in 35 countries, were able to witness this celestial event.

Where Was the Blood Moon Visible?

The "blood moon" lunar eclipse was visible across a wide swath of the globe, including western Pennsylvania, where it lit up the skies over the Pittsburgh area. The total eclipse phase began at 2:26 a.m. and lasted for nearly an hour. For those on the East Coast, the maximum eclipse occurred at 2:59 a.m. EDT (6:59 GMT) on March 14.

What's Next for Skywatchers?

If you missed the recent lunar eclipse, don't worry! There are more celestial events on the horizon.

Partial Solar Eclipse

If you missed the blood moon, you may have the chance to catch a partial solar eclipse this month. Keep an eye on astronomy news for specific dates and times relevant to your location. Always remember to use proper eye protection when viewing a solar eclipse.

Future Blood Moons

Mark your calendars! Another blood moon is expected in 2026. While specific details are still emerging, it's definitely something to anticipate.

Understanding Moon Phases

Even when there isn't a dramatic eclipse, the moon's phases offer a constant source of fascination. The lunar cycle, from New Moon to New Moon, lasts approximately 29.5 days. To find out the exact moonrise and moonset times for your location, as well as the moon's position in the sky, consider using a free astronomy app like Sky Tonight.

Current Moon Phase

Currently, the moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This means that it's more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. You can see it for most of the night, setting a few hours before sunrise. The moon becomes more illuminated each day during this phase, leading up to the Full Moon.

The Enduring Fascination with the Moon

Humans have been captivated by the moon for millennia. It influences our tides, inspires art and mythology, and serves as a constant reminder of the vastness of space. Whether it's a dramatic blood moon or the gentle glow of a crescent, the moon continues to hold our attention and spark our curiosity.

Beyond the Moon: A Golden Retriever's Adorable Routine

While we're looking up, let's take a quick detour to something heartwarming happening down on Earth. A video from ABC News features a golden retriever who can't resist saying "Hi" to his girlfriend at the local bodega. This adorable story reminds us that there's always something to smile about, whether it's in the sky above or right here on the ground.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

• Recent Lunar Events: A "blood moon" total lunar eclipse occurred recently, captivating audiences worldwide.
• Upcoming Events: Keep an eye out for a partial solar eclipse this month and another blood moon in 2026.
• Moon Phases: The moon is currently in a Waxing Gibbous phase, visible for most of the night.
• Tools for Observation: Use astronomy apps like Sky Tonight to track moonrise, moonset, and the moon's position.

The moon's phases and eclipses are predictable events, allowing us to plan and anticipate these celestial shows. As technology advances, our ability to observe and understand the moon will only increase, further fueling our fascination with this celestial neighbor. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual skywatcher, there's always something new to discover in the night sky.