Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Over Louisiana

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - If you're a night sky enthusiast—or just looking for an excuse to step outside and witness something spectacular—mark your calendars. A total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, will be visible across Louisiana late on the night of March 13 into the early hours of March 14, 2025.

This will be the first total lunar eclipse of the year and one of the most striking celestial events visible without any special equipment. Here’s everything you need to know about when, where, and how to see it.

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When Will the Eclipse Happen in Louisiana?

The total lunar eclipse will unfold over the course of several hours, starting late Thursday night (March 13) and continuing into the early morning of Friday (March 14).

Here are the key times to watch for in major Louisiana cities:

Eclipse Timing Across Louisiana (CDT):

🔹 New Orleans

Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM

🔹 Lafayette

Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM

🔹 Lake Charles

Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM

No matter where you are in South Louisiana, you’ll get a clear view of the entire eclipse, weather permitting.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the moon’s surface. But instead of going completely dark, the moon takes on a deep red or coppery hue, which is why it’s often called a Blood Moon.

The red color happens because Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter-wavelength light (blue and green) while allowing longer-wavelength red light to pass through and illuminate the moon. It’s the same reason sunsets look red.

Where’s the Best Place to Watch?

The best way to enjoy the total lunar eclipse is to find a dark, open area away from city lights. Here are some ideal viewing locations in Louisiana:

° Lake Martin (Breaux Bridge) – A peaceful, open sky with minimal light pollution.

° Grand Isle Beach – Coastal views provide a clear, unobstructed horizon.

° Kisatchie National Forest – A great escape for dark-sky viewing.

° Local Parks and Rural Areas – Any location away from bright streetlights will work well.

You don’t need a telescope or special equipment—just step outside, look up, and enjoy the show.

Will the Weather Cooperate?

The forecast for South Louisiana looks clear on Thursday, March 13, though the eclipse is a week away at the time of publication, and things can definitely change.

Getty Images

The forecast, according to WeatherBug, shows clear skies all day Thursday and well into the night. In fact, it looks like we might be getting lucky. A lot of cloud cover and rain is expected to creep into South Louisiana during the day on Friday.

Why This Eclipse Is Special

Total lunar eclipses don’t happen all that often. While there are two lunar eclipses in 2025, this is the first one and fully visible from Louisiana. The next total lunar eclipse won’t happen until March 3, 2026, so this is a prime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays.

How to Photograph the Lunar Eclipse

If you want to capture the Blood Moon with your phone or camera, here are a few quick tips:

📸 Use a tripod – Keeps your shots steady for clear images.
📸 Adjust exposure settings – Lower brightness to capture more detail.
📸 Use night mode – Most modern smartphones have a mode designed for low-light photography.
📸 Shoot during totality – The deep red color will be most visible between 1:26 AM and 2:31 AM.

Don’t Miss Louisiana’s Best View of the Night Sky

A total lunar eclipse is a rare and breathtaking event, and this one is perfectly timed for Louisiana’s night owls. Whether you’re a stargazer, photographer, or just someone who loves a good celestial event, make plans to step outside and take in the Blood Moon of 2025.

So set a reminder, grab some coffee, and enjoy the eclipse that will turn Louisiana’s sky red—at least for a little while.