A breathtaking celestial event unfolded over Metro Vancouver on Thursday,March 13,2025,as a total lunar eclipse painted the night sky in a stunning display. Residents across the region enjoyed clear skies, providing optimal viewing conditions for the phenomenon, frequently enough referred to as a “blood moon” due to its distinctive deep rustic hue. The total lunar eclipse, a rare and captivating spectacle, drew the attention of skywatchers and inspired local photographers to capture its ethereal beauty.

the eclipse progressed over several hours, commencing around 9 p.m. as the moon began its gradual entry into Earth’s shadow. The period of totality, when the moon was entirely obscured, spanned from 11:26 p.m. until approximately 12:30 a.m. The entire event concluded around 3 a.m., leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness it.

Rosanna tilbrook, an astronomer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Center, previously explained the science underpinning the lunar eclipse. Even when Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon, sunlight still manages to reach the lunar surface, albeit indirectly.

Sunlight which filters through Earth’s atmosphere can still reach the Moon’s surface.
Rosanna Tilbrook, H.R. macmillan Space Centre Astronomer

Tilbrook elaborated on this phenomenon, noting that the Earth’s atmosphere filters out certain colors of light.

However, only red light is able to pass directly through our atmosphere, while blue light is scattered away, meaning that the moon can appear orange or red during a lunar eclipse.
Rosanna Tilbrook, H.R. MacMillan Space centre Astronomer

She further explained that this is “a similar mechanism to how sunsets work,” where the scattering of blue light allows the longer wavelengths of red and orange to dominate the sky.

The resulting orange or red appearance of the moon during a lunar eclipse is what gives rise to the popular term “blood moon.” The deep rustic hue observed during the peak of the eclipse on March 13th made for a especially striking visual display, captivating observers across Metro Vancouver.

Local Photographers Capture the “Blood Moon”

Metro Vancouver’s vibrant photography community eagerly seized the opportunity to capture the lunar eclipse in all its glory. Liron Gertsman, a renowned Vancouver photographer known for his stunning space photography, including a remarkable image of a rare comet and the Aurora Borealis at Harrison Lake, and a NASA nod for his photo of the North America and Pelican Nebulae above The Lions, continued his tradition of photographing eclipses.

Gertsman, who previously photographed a frigatebird in front of a total solar eclipse last April, explained his passion for capturing these celestial events.

With lunar eclipses being such rare and beautiful spectacles, when that opportunity comes up to photograph it, I always take advantage of it. In recent years, I’ve been getting more creative, combining my love for birds and wildlife and space and the night sky.
Liron Gertsman, Vancouver Photographer

For this lunar eclipse, Gertsman focused on capturing crows against the backdrop of the “blood moon.”

Thematically, there’s something very cool about a crow in front of this phenomenon of the blood moon, but also, crows are a very Vancouver bird.Vancouverites may have strong opinions on them but I personally love crows. They are a bird that really is synonymous with our city.
Liron Gertsman, Vancouver Photographer

Despite the event lasting an hour, Gertsman noted the challenges of capturing high-quality images in the low light conditions. He used a Canon R5 and RF 100-500 mm lens to capture his stunning images.

Garfield Wang, a Vancouver-based photographer and digital creator who travels the globe, also captured the lunar eclipse.Wang, who has a particular affinity for capturing “the beauty of our city,” photographed the eclipse from Larry Berg Flight Path Park near Vancouver International Airport.

Last night’s weather was a rare treat—after days of rain, I had almost given up hope, but the sky surprised us with a perfectly clear night. I captured these photos of the lunar eclipse using a 400mm telephoto lens at Larry Berg Flight path Park near Vancouver International airport. the total lunar eclipse was absolutely interesting. While many call it a ‘blood moon,’ to me, it looked more like orange soda, casting a dreamy, romantic glow across the night sky.
Garfield Wang,vancouver Photographer

Jock McCracken captured a series of photos in the Yaletown area,showcasing the deep rustic hue of the moon during the eclipse’s peak. His photos captured the moon as it peeked out from behind buildings, adding an urban element to the celestial display.

The total lunar eclipse on March 13, 2025, provided a memorable experience for Metro Vancouver residents. The clear skies, combined with the stunning visual display of the “blood moon,” created a night to remember, captured beautifully by local photographers and shared widely on social media.

Unlocking the Secrets of the “Blood Moon”: A Lunar Eclipse Expert Interview

To further understand the science and meaning of the “blood moon,” we spoke with Dr. Aris Thorne, a renowned expert in celestial mechanics and lunar phenomena.

Senior Editor (SE): Dr.Thorne, welcome. Can you explain the science behind this breathtaking celestial display?

Dr. Thorne (DT):

Thank you for having me. The “blood moon,” a term steeped in folklore but grounded in scientific reality,occurs during a total lunar eclipse. This happens when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. Crucially,while the Earth blocks the direct sunlight from reaching the Moon,some sunlight still filters through our atmosphere. This filtered sunlight is what creates the reddish or coppery glow.
Dr.Aris Thorne, Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: That’s interesting. Can you elaborate on why the light appears red during a total lunar eclipse?

DT:

The Earth’s atmosphere acts as a giant prism. sunlight is comprised of all the colors of the rainbow. When sunlight passes through the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light like blue and green scatter, a phenomenon we see in our daily sunsets. However, longer wavelengths, such as red, are less scattered and can penetrate the atmosphere.This red light then bends around the Earth and reaches the moon, giving it that distinctive reddish-orange hue we associate with a blood moon. It’s the same principle that makes sunsets appear red and orange.
Dr. Aris thorne,Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: So,the color of the “blood moon” isn’t always the same deep red?

DT:

Exactly! The exact shade of red,or even orange,depends on several factors,including the atmospheric conditions on Earth at the time of the eclipse. Volcanic eruptions, dust storms, or air pollution can all influence the amount of light scattering and thus the resulting color.A clearer atmosphere will generally lead to a brighter, more coppery red, while a hazy atmosphere can result in a darker, more subdued shade. This variability adds to the unique beauty and unpredictability of each lunar eclipse.
Dr. Aris Thorne, Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: Beyond the visual spectacle, are there any scientific observations or data collection opportunities during a total lunar eclipse?

DT:

Absolutely. Lunar eclipses offer valuable opportunities for scientists to gather data. As a notable example, thay provide a chance to study the lunar surface temperature variations, the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, and possibly identify unique atmospheric phenomena that might not be evident at other times. Specialized instruments and telescopes are used to collect detailed data and refine models of our atmosphere and lunar surface.
Dr. Aris Thorne, Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: The article mentions several photographers capturing stunning images. What are the unique challenges of photographing a lunar eclipse?

DT:

Photographing a lunar eclipse presents several challenges. The low-light conditions require specialized photography equipment, including cameras with high ISO capabilities and telephoto lenses to capture the detail of the lunar surface. Accurate focusing and exposure settings are critical in capturing the subtle colors and nuances of the partially or totally eclipsed moon. Mastering the art of long-exposure photography effectively illuminates the celestial event without over-exposing the image.
Dr. Aris Thorne, Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: What advice would you give to amateur astronomers and photographers interested in capturing future lunar eclipses?

DT:

Planning ahead is key. Research the total eclipse timing and location to determine ideal viewing and photography spots. Invest in quality equipment. A sturdy tripod, a telephoto lens, a camera with manual settings, and possibly additional filters are recommended. Practice beforehand! Familiarize yourself with manual camera settings, and understanding the interplay of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to capture the optimal balance of light and detail. be patient and persistent. Weather conditions play a significant role,so being prepared for potential delays and challenges is crucial.
Dr.Aris Thorne,Celestial Mechanics Expert

SE: Dr. Thorne, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this fascinating celestial event.

DT:

My pleasure. Remember, the next total lunar eclipse provides another marvelous prospect to witness the beauty of the cosmos and appreciate the underlying scientific principles that create this breathtaking phenomenon. I encourage everyone to learn more about celestial events and to continue exploring the wonders of our universe.
Dr. Aris Thorne, Celestial Mechanics Expert