Will the US witness an Orange Moon tonight? Here’s what you can expect ahead of the Total Lunar Eclipse

Blood Moon 2025: Skywatchers across the United States are wondering whether they will see an orange moon tonight, with social media abuzz about the upcoming blood moon and lunar eclipse. While the much-anticipated total lunar eclipse, often dubbed a blood moon, is set to occur on September 7–8, 2025, experts clarify that visibility in the US tonight may differ from regions in Asia, Europe, and Africa where the celestial spectacle will unfold in full glory.

Why the Moon Sometimes Appears Orange

Astronomers explain that the orange moon effect is not exclusive to eclipses. Often, when the moon is close to the horizon, its light travels through thicker layers of Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing the longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate. This results in the moon appearing orange or even red.

During a lunar eclipse, however, the phenomenon intensifies. Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon and instead refracts light through its atmosphere. Dust, volcanic particles, and atmospheric conditions further influence the exact shade, ranging from bright copper to deep red, creating what is popularly called a blood moon.

Also Read: Blood Moon September 2025: Photography tips to capture the dazzling red total Lunar Eclipse

The September 7–8, 2025 Blood Moon

The upcoming lunar eclipse September 2025 promises to be one of the most widely observed in recent years. Unlike the partial eclipse earlier in March, this full moon in September 2025 will align perfectly with Earth’s shadow, producing a complete blood moon.

Astronomical data suggests that as many as 7.03 billion people around the world will be able to view at least some part of the eclipse, while 6.27 billion will see the event in its entirety. Unfortunately for much of the US, the blood moon event will not be visible in full. Instead, Americans will have to wait until the early hours of March 2026 to experience a total lunar eclipse directly overhead.

Also Read: Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon 2025: How to watch the September full moon turn red in the US? Free livestream options

What to Expect in the United States Tonight

In the US, observers may still notice the Orange Moon effect depending on local atmospheric conditions. Even though the full eclipse will not be visible, the full moon itself may appear slightly tinted near the horizon, particularly in regions with hazy skies or pollution that accentuates red hues.

Experts note that while Americans may not witness the dramatic deep-red blood moon this weekend, the natural scattering of light could still paint the lunar surface with soft orange or copper tones. This means some regions could catch glimpses of an “orange moon” effect, though not the complete eclipse spectacle.

How the Blood Moon Differs From a Regular Orange Moon

It is important to distinguish between a routine orange moon and a blood moon. A regular orange appearance occurs almost every month, especially when the full moon rises or sets. A blood moon, on the other hand, is directly tied to a lunar eclipse when Earth’s shadow engulfs the moon.

The blood moon 2025 event is especially significant because of its unusually long totality, lasting 82 minutes. Such extended eclipses are rare and provide ample opportunity for astronomers and photographers to capture its beauty.

Lunar Eclipse September 2025: Tips for Viewing and Photography

Even though Americans will miss the complete lunar eclipse September 2025, astronomy enthusiasts still have opportunities to prepare. For those hoping to photograph future eclipses, experts recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens of at least 200mm, mounted on a tripod.

To capture the subtle orange tones tonight, a wide-angle lens may suffice, particularly if you wish to include city skylines or landscapes in your frame. Slower shutter speeds will allow for more dramatic captures, but stability is essential to avoid blur.

For the full blood moon 2025 visible elsewhere in the world, long exposures combined with high ISO settings will be needed to capture its dim red glow against the night sky.

The Science and Symbolism Behind the Blood Moon

Throughout history, blood moons have carried symbolic weight, often seen as omens or mystical events. Today, astronomers stress that they are natural and predictable, part of the recurring dance of celestial bodies.

The September full moon 2025 also falls near the time of harvest festivals in many cultures, often called the “Harvest Moon.” Its orange glow, whether from natural scattering or from the eclipse, adds cultural and aesthetic value to the seasonal night sky.

The March 2026 Eclipse Blood Moon

For North American observers disappointed by missing the September 2025 totality, relief is not far away. The total lunar eclipse in March 2026 will be visible across North America, Asia, and Australia, promising a clearer view of a dramatic blood moon.

Astronomers recommend marking calendars for this event, as it will offer one of the best opportunities in recent years for US residents to enjoy a complete lunar eclipse.

So, will the moon be orange tonight in the US? The answer is: possibly, depending on atmospheric conditions, but not in the dramatic sense of a full blood moon. While the world awaits the spectacle of the total lunar eclipse blood moon on September 7–8, 2025, Americans may have to settle for a softer orange glow this evening and prepare for their turn in March 2026.

FAQs

Why does the moon sometimes look orange?

The moon appears orange when it is low on the horizon because Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths, allowing red and orange hues to dominate.

Will the US see the total lunar eclipse on September 7–8, 2025?

No, the eclipse will be best visible in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. The US will only see limited effects and a potential orange tint to the moon