Why is the Moon Red Tonight in the U.S.? Science Behind Corn Moon!

Why is the Moon red tonight in the U.S.? The Blood Moon 2025 or Corn Moon will be the final full moon in the Northern Hemisphere for this summer. The moon will rise in the east and will be best visible in Northern America during the evening dusk. This total lunar eclipse blood moon is a worldwide event which will only be visible to the night side of Earth.

The Corn Moon 2025 will be full today i.e. September 07, 2025 at 2:09 p.m. EDT on Sunday. According to EarthSky, September’s full moon is called the Corn Moon because it coincides with the time North American crops are harvested. Learn the science behind this rare lunar spectacle and tips on when and how to observe it.

Why is the Moon Red Tonight in the U.S.?

The red color of the Moon tonight, often called a Blood Moon meaning it is caused by a total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. During this event, Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. While the Moon is in Earth’s shadow, sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths and bends longer red wavelengths onto the Moon, giving it its iconic reddish hue. This total lunar eclipse blood moon is a worldwide event which will only be visible to the night side of Earth.

What Does Corn Moon Mean and How Can Observers in the U.S. Best View the Moon?

The Corn Moon marks the September full moon, named for the time when corn is traditionally harvested in North America. For observers in the U.S., the moonrise at dusk offers the best view, as full moons look most striking rising above the eastern horizon at sunset. North America will see a typical full moon rather than a Blood Moon eclipse on this night.

What Happens During the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse passes through three stages: penumbral, partial, and total. The full red hue occurs during totality when the Moon is entirely within Earth’s umbra (darkest shadow). This phase on September 7-8, 2025, lasts about 82 minutes. The entire eclipse event, including penumbral and partial phases, spans over five hours, providing ample time for observation.

Corn Moon Trivia Facts and Tips to Observe It

The Corn Moon is the ninth of 12 full moons in 2025, marking a traditional harvest time in North America. A solar year is about 365.24 days, while the lunar year totals roughly 354.37 days, causing occasional years with 13 full moons, as happened in 2023 and will again in 2028.

1. The term "Corn Moon" was first recorded among Algonquin tribes, noting the time when corn and other staple crops reached peak harvest.

2. Unlike the Harvest Moon, the Corn Moon doesn't always coincide with the autumn equinox, reflecting agricultural cycles over strict calendar dates.

3. Lunar eclipses such as the 2025 Blood Moon are rare during the Corn Moon, occurring only when the lunar orbit aligns closely with Earth's shadow.

4. The Corn Moon can appear larger and more colorful near the horizon due to an optical illusion called the "Moon illusion," not because of its actual size or distance.

Observers should look for the Corn Moon rising at dusk for the most dramatic views, ideally from locations with a clear eastern horizon free from light pollution. No special equipment is needed, but binoculars enhance detail and appreciation of this seasonal celestial event.

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Conclusion

The Blood Moon of 2025 offers a spectacular natural show when the Moon takes on a reddish tint, caused by Earth’s shadow and atmospheric light scattering. This rare total lunar eclipse event is a perfect opportunity for skywatchers across the U.S. to witness a fascinating astronomical phenomenon.

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