What Time Was the Blood Moon?
The most recent total lunar eclipse producing a blood moon concluded at 20:12 UTC on October 28, 2023, with partial phases starting at 18:01 UTC and ending at 22:23 UTC. Exact local times depended on your time zone and weather conditions, with best visibility from Europe, Africa, Asia, and parts of South America. Below are the verified timings for the recent event; if you are asking about a future eclipse, predicted local times will differ by location.
Understanding a Blood Moon
A blood moon is the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth blocks direct sunlight and refracts longer wavelengths of light onto the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye and can be observed from anywhere on the night side of Earth. The term refers only to the visual effect, not a specific astronomical classification or hazard.
Recent Total Lunar Eclipse Timings
The following table summarizes the principal phases of the most recent total lunar eclipse that produced a明显 blood moon. All times are listed in both UTC and approximate local time ranges for major viewing regions where the event was fully or partially visible.
| Phase | UTC Time | Approximate Local Time (Selected Regions) |
|---|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse Start | 16:01 UTC | Evening across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America |
| Partial Eclipse Start | 18:01 UTC | Early evening Europe/Africa; late night Asia |
| Totality Start | 19:08 UTC | After dusk Europe/Africa; late evening Asia |
| Greatest Eclipse | 19:39 UTC | Around full dark in central viewing zones |
| Totality End | 20:12 UTC | Before midnight over western viewing areas |
| Partial Eclipse End | 21:49 UTC | Late night to early morning in eastern regions |
| Penumbral Eclipse End | 22:23 UTC | After midnight in western time zones |
Visibility by Continent for the October 28, 2023 Eclipse
- Europe: Full visibility from most regions; mid-eclipse after local sunset in western areas.
- Africa: Excellent visibility across the continent with the Moon high in the sky during totality.
- Asia: Strong viewing from Western and Central Asia; Moon lower in the east during early partial phases.
- Americas: No visibility; the eclipse occurred during daytime local hours.
How to Confirm the Exact Time for Your Location
To determine precise local times for past or future lunar eclipses, use official astronomical sources and planetarium software. Input your city or coordinates to generate altitude-azimuth charts, rise and set times, and eclipse magnitude at each phase.
- Timeanddate.com lunar eclipse search (custom city lookup)
- NASA eclipse website and Five Millennium Catalog of Lunar Eclipses
- Stellarium or similar apps set to your local timezone and horizon
Time Zone and Date Considerations
Because lunar eclipses are visible over wide longitudinal bands, the clock time changes significantly by time zone while the UTC moment remains fixed. A blood moon at 20:12 UTC can appear as early as 16:12 EDT or as late as 22:12 SAST depending on local offsets. Always record both UTC and your local offset to avoid confusion when reviewing past events or planning observations.
Future Blood Moons to Know
Upcoming total lunar eclipses that will produce red-colored Moons include March 25, 2026, and September 7, 2025. Exact local visibility and timing depend on your horizon, atmospheric conditions, and the Moon’s declination at the moment of greatest eclipse. Check annual astronomy calendars from authoritative sources for updated predictions closer to each event.