Times of the Total Lunar Eclipse or “Blood Moon”Los Angeles: 3:04 amDenver: 4:04 amChicago: 5:04 amSt. Louis: 5:04 amNew York: 6:04 amWashington, DC: 6:04 amIt's safe to view a total lunar eclipse, unlike a solar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon does not lose its brightness completely, but takes on a dull red hue. Total lunar eclipses are slightly rarer than total solar eclipses. A blood moon occurs every 2.5 years on average, while a total solar eclipse happens about every 18 months, according to NASA's astronomical catalogs. For example, an observer can see a total lunar eclipse every two to three years, but might have to wait about 375 years to see a total solar eclipse from his or her city.