Muscat: The night sky will showcase a breathtaking astronomical event on Thursday, March 13, 2025—the first total lunar eclipse of the year. While this celestial occurrence will be visible across Australia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Antarctica, residents of Oman will experience limited visibility due to the moon setting before the eclipse reaches its peak.
Lunar Eclipse Timings in Oman (Local Time)
According to Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalidi from the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, the eclipse will unfold as follows:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 7:57 AM
- Partial eclipse starts: 9:09 AM
- Total eclipse begins: 10:26 AM
- Total eclipse ends: 11:31 AM
- Partial eclipse concludes: 12:47 PM
- Penumbral phase ends: 2:00 PM
The entire event will span approximately six hours and three minutes.
Visibility in Oman
Despite the significance of this lunar eclipse, residents of Muscat and other regions in Oman will not witness the full event. The moon will reach its highest point at 5:45 AM, well before the eclipse begins. However, stargazers in other parts of the world, particularly North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, will have a chance to observe the moon turning red during totality.
What Causes a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. This phenomenon only happens during a full moon when the three celestial bodies align perfectly.
Types of Lunar Eclipses:
- Total Lunar Eclipse: The moon is completely engulfed in the Earth’s umbra (darkest shadow), giving it a reddish hue due to light scattering in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only a portion of the moon passes through the umbra, creating a visible shadow.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The moon enters the outer shadow (penumbra), causing a subtle dimming effect.
This March 2025 lunar eclipse is a total eclipse, meaning the moon will turn a deep red or orange, often called a “Blood Moon”.
How Often Do Lunar Eclipses Occur?
Lunar eclipses are not monthly occurrences because the moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s. On average, up to three lunar eclipses can take place in a year, while solar eclipses may occur up to five times annually.
Where to Watch the Lunar Eclipse?
For those in Oman who won’t be able to experience the event in person, NASA, space agencies, and observatories worldwide may provide live streaming of the total lunar eclipse on March 13, 2025. Stay tuned for official announcements on online eclipse viewing options.
