Blood Worm Moon – What It Is and How to See It

Ever looked up and seen the moon glowing a deep, eerie red? That’s the Blood Worm Moon, a nickname for a full moon that appears reddish during a lunar eclipse. It’s not just a cool photo op – the colour comes from Earth’s atmosphere bending sunlight into the shade of the moon. If you’ve ever wondered why the moon sometimes looks like a giant ember, you’re in the right spot.

What Causes the Blood Worm Moon?

The red hue happens when Earth lines up exactly between the sun and the moon. Earth blocks direct sunlight, but some of that light still reaches the moon after passing through our atmosphere. The atmosphere scatters blue light, letting the longer, red wavelengths shine through. That’s the same reason sunsets look orange. So, a Blood Worm Moon is really Earth’s shadow giving the moon a splash of colour.

When and Where to Watch the Next Blood Worm Moon

The next Blood Worm Moon is set for October 14, 2025. It will be visible across most of North America, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia. If you’re on the west coast of the US, you’ll see the eclipse start around 10 pm local time, reaching its peak a little after midnight. Look for the moon dimming and turning red – the whole event lasts about three hours.

To catch the best view, find a dark spot away from city lights. A backyard, a local park, or a rooftop works fine. Bring a blanket, a cup of tea, and maybe a pair of binoculars if you want a closer look. Even a simple smartphone camera can capture the colour, but a tripod helps keep the shot steady.

Safety is easy – you don’t need any special glasses because you’re watching the moon, not the sun. Just make sure the sky is clear; clouds can hide the eclipse, and you’ll miss the red glow.

Want to share the moment? Snap a photo, then post it with the hashtag #BloodWormMoon. You’ll join a global community of sky‑watchers who love chasing these rare events. And if you missed this one, keep an eye on our site for updates on the next eclipse – they happen roughly twice a year, but not every one turns blood‑red.

So, set a reminder, pick a good spot, and enjoy the show. The Blood Worm Moon is a simple reminder that our planet’s atmosphere does some pretty amazing stuff, turning a familiar night‑time friend into a stunning, scarlet spectacle.