The real color of the moon is gray, but at different times, it appears to change color from our perspective on Earth. When the moon takes on a red or pink hue, we call it a "blood moon," and a yellow or orange moon is often dubbed a "harvest moon." The rare super blue moon, however, isn't actually blue. A full moon occurs when the side of the Moon facing Earth is fully lit up by the Sun.
There are a few different types of unusual full moon types, which include blood moons, supermoons, blue moons, and harvest moons, and others. There was an opportunity Thursday night to catch the March 2025 "Blood Moon," a phenomenon that colors the full moon in shades of red, orange and yellow during a total lunar eclipse. Smoke particles, Saharan dust could enhance Strawberry Moon's red color This year, the Strawberry Moon may appear more berry.
This year's Strawberry Moon is expected to be the lowest appearing Strawberry Moon since 2006, meaning the full moon will hang lower in the sky. The low appearance means there's a better chance that the moon looks orange. The first "Blood Moon" eclipse since 2022 will cause the moon to change colors on March 13-14, and it will be visible across North America, as long as cloudy weather doesn't spoil the show.
People gazing up at the night sky in a few weeks will have the opportunity to see the moon change color during a special celestial event. The total lunar eclipse will appear for one night. Early 2025 has already played host to some spectacular astronomical events, and there are more to come.
In March, look to the moon to watch it change color. Space lovers, are you ready for this year's "ultra rare" strawberry moon? The uniquely hued phenomenon is set to take place tonight, June 10, 2025, and will reach its peak at around 3:44 a.m. The final and brightest supermoon of 2025 rises on Dec 4.
Learn why the Cold Moon appears larger, how to watch it and what sky events follow.