Santa Clarita residents are in for a celestial treat Thursday night as a total lunar eclipse will transform the Moon into a stunning red-orange hue. 

The eclipse, which is expected to be visible across North America, is set to begin Thursday, and peak in the early hours of Friday, March 14.

Eclipse Timing in Santa Clarita

The total eclipse will begin at 11:26 p.m. PDT on March 13, with the peak occurring at 12:12 a.m. PDT on March 14, according to officials with the Griffith Observatory.

The total eclipse is expected to end at 12:56 a.m. PDT, while the Moon is expected to fully exit Earth’s shadow by 3:05 a.m. PDT.

The eclipse is set to last about 78 minutes in totality, during which the Moon is expected to pass through Earth’s shadow, giving it the characteristic “Blood Moon” appearance, according to NASA officials.

How to Watch

The lunar eclipse will be visible to the naked eye without special equipment, though binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view. 

Clear skies will provide the best experience, so viewers should check weather conditions before heading outside, according to NASA.

For those unable to watch in person, the Griffith Observatory is expected to stream the event live on Youtube.

Why the Moon Turns Red

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. 

However, some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red and orange hues to illuminate the Moon—a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering​.

A Rare Sight Worth Watching

Total lunar eclipses do not occur every year, making this a must-see event for skywatchers.

NASA experts note that this is one of the most significant celestial events of 2025, with the next total lunar eclipse not occurring until 2026.

For more details, visit NASA’s website or Griffith Observatory’s website.

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