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Where will the 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse be visible in March 2025
February 24, 2025
A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 13-14, 2025 — the first on Earth since 2022 — but only the night side of the planet will get to see it.
During this global event, which will occur at the same time across the world, the lunar surface will turn reddish for 65 minutes — a phenomenon often dubbed a "blood moon."
Although the point of greatest eclipse will be in the Pacific Ocean, North America and South America will get the best views.
Some areas of Europe will get a slight view of the moonset, and East Asia will glimpse the spectacle at moonrise.
You can keep up with all the lunar eclipse action on our lunar eclipse live blog. We will also stream the eclipse live on Space.com.
More details on how to watch online will be released closer to the event.
Unlike during a solar eclipse, it is safe to look at the moon during the entire lunar eclipse. They're not only completely safe but also leisurely, lasting many hours.
This one occurs between 11:57 p.m. and 6 a.m. EDT (03:57 and 10:00 UTC) — a total of six hours — though arguably the most interesting part, totality, happens between 2:26 and 03:31 a.m. EDT (06:26 and 07:31 UTC).
The total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, will last just over six hours, beginning with a penumbral eclipse — when the moon enters Earth's fuzzy outer shadow and loses brightness — from 11:57 p.m. to 1:09 a.m. EDT (03:57 to 05:09 UTC).
There will then be a partial phase — when the moon begins to enter Earth's darker umbral shadow and starts to turn red — from 1:09 a.m. to 2:26 a.m. (05:09 to 06:26 UTC).
Totality — when the whole moon is within Earth's umbra — will last 65 minutes, from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. EDT (06:26 to 07:31 UTC).
The spectacle then reverses, with totality followed by a partial phase from 3:31 to 4:47 a.m. (07:31 to 08:47 UTC) and a penumbral phase from 4:47 to 6 a.m. EDT (08:47 to 10:00 UTC).
The entire eclipse will be visible — and at its best — across most of the Americas, with glimpses for Europe, Africa and East Asia.
Here's a breakdown of the eclipse's visibility by region:
cont.
https://www.space.com/where-blood-moon-total-lunar-eclipse-visible-march-2025
infinite death blossom's chekt
US Federal Air Marshals Complete First Drone Pilot Training
February 24, 2025
The United States Transportation Security Administration has certified 18 Federal Air Marshals to operate the agency’s Skydio X10 drones.
Held over three days at the decommissioned Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the course aimed to improve the way the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) assesses airport security vulnerabilities.
The newly certified pilots will now support airport perimeter assessments, critical infrastructure vulnerability analysis, and UAS response exercises, areas that previously relied on tabletop exercises alone.
“This inaugural sUAS pilot certification training is a game changer for Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) and TSA,” said Serge Potapov, Executive Director of the LE/FAMS Flight Programs Branch.
“By integrating cutting-edge drone technology into our law enforcement tool kit, we are enhancing our ability to safeguard transportation security with greater reach, precision and efficiency.”
The training is part of TSA’s broader strategy to address increasing drone activity around US airports. Since 2021, the agency has recorded over 2,000 drone sightings near airports, with several incidents requiring pilots to take evasive action.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has called for modifications to statutory authorities, urging better coordination on drone detection and counter-drone operations to mitigate these risks.
LE/FAMS partnered with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) for the training, leveraging the stadium’s open terrain and favourable climate.
The collaboration allows TSA to conduct its certification programmes at no cost while benefiting from LVMPD’s expertise in drone operations.
“This course gives our FAMs the ability to proactively assess threats and enhance security operations,” said Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge Ty Fletcher.
“We can now conduct real-time airport security assessments rather than relying solely on theoretical exercises.”
TSA has scheduled another certification event next month for Midwest field offices, with plans to extend training to the East Coast this summer.
https://zagdaily.com/zag-air/us-federal-air-marshals-complete-first-drone-pilot-training/
Sixth Annual Micro Drone Race Takes Flight at National Museum of U.S. Air Force
February 24, 2025
In a thrilling fusion of cutting-edge technology and aviation heritage, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is gearing up to host its Sixth Annual Micro Drone Race from February 28 to March 2, 2025.
Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this event transforms the museum’s second building into a high-speed drone racing arena, where skilled pilots navigate their micro machines through iconic aircraft like the C-124 Globemaster II and F-82B Twin Mustang.
With free admission and a packed weekend of activities, the event underscores the growing prominence of drone racing within both recreational and professional spheres.
Scheduled just days from now, the race kicks off daily at 9 a.m. with practice sessions, followed by qualifying rounds and competitive heats.
Spectators can watch pilots maneuver drones—typically under 250 grams and palm-sized—through a challenging course, either in person or via a large video screen displaying the drones’ first-person views.
For remote viewers, the Cincinnati Quad Racers YouTube channel will stream the action live, reflecting a savvy adaptation to digital audiences.
The museum, spanning over 19 acres of indoor exhibits, expects thousands to attend, drawn by its status as the world’s largest military aviation museum.
Adding an educational twist, Sinclair Community College’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program will offer free computer-based simulators, giving visitors a taste of drone piloting.
A raffle for three micro drones, held at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, further engages the crowd, courtesy of the Air Force Museum Foundation (no federal endorsement implied).
However, guided tours of the Southeast Asia and Korea galleries will be unavailable during the event, a minor trade-off for the weekend’s unique focus.
Drone racing, while exhilarating, operates under strict parameters at this venue. Only pre-registered, pre-approved drones are permitted to fly inside the museum, with registration closed well ahead of the event.
The museum enforces a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized small UAS (sUAS) flights—drones or remote-control aircraft—on its grounds, swiftly reporting violators to security forces.
This aligns with broader Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations governing indoor and outdoor drone operations, ensuring safety within a high-traffic public space near an active military base.
The micro drones in competition, often FPV (First Person View) models, rely on lightweight frames, powerful brushless motors, and 5.8 GHz video transmission systems.
Speeds can exceed 50 mph in skilled hands, demanding precision to navigate obstacles like the Globemaster’s 174-foot wingspan or the Twin Mustang’s dual-fuselage design.
Such technical feats highlight the event’s appeal to hobbyists and professionals alike, showcasing advancements in drone miniaturization and control systems.
Drone racing has evolved from a niche pastime into a recognized sport, with events like this one bridging recreational enthusiasm and professional development.
The National Museum’s race, now in its sixth year, reflects a maturing industry where micro drones are increasingly accessible—entry-level kits start around $100—yet capable of sophisticated performance.
The involvement of Sinclair Community College signals educational investment in UAS, a field projected to grow as drone applications expand in logistics, agriculture, and defense.
Market-wise, the event subtly promotes a ecosystem of manufacturers, from drone makers like BetaFPV and Tiny Whoop to accessory providers for batteries and goggles.
While not a commercial expo, the visibility could nudge sales, especially with free drones up for grabs.
The Micro Drone Race transcends entertainment, offering a glimpse into aviation’s future.
As drones integrate into military and civilian spheres—think reconnaissance or last-mile delivery—this event underscores their versatility and public appeal.
Its setting amid historic aircraft juxtaposes past and present, hinting at how unmanned systems might shape tomorrow’s air forces, a topic of keen interest at Wright-Patterson, a hub for aerospace innovation.
Looking ahead, the race’s success could inspire more museums to host similar events, blending Education with spectacle.
Regulatory bodies may also take note, refining indoor sUAS guidelines as public exposure grows.
For Dayton, it’s a chance to reinforce its aviation legacy while spotlighting a technology that’s no longer just science fiction.
https://dronexl.co/2025/02/24/micro-drone-race-national-museum-us-air-force/
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbA3XvtFdqY
Myanmar military adapts FLIR systems for expanding drone war
24 February 2025
The Myanmar military has begun enhancing its expanding unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, adapting forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems for tactical attack drones.
The newly introduced use of thermal imaging FLIR technology in an escalating drone war emerged in propaganda video footage posted on social media sympathetic to the State Administration Council (SAC) military regime on 7 February.
The footage from a drone-mounted FLIR camera showed night-time combat on 6 February in and around the prison in Bhamo, a city in northern Kachin State besieged since December 2024 by forces of the ethnic Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied People's Defence Forces (PDFs).
Thermal imaging revealed groups of individual soldiers running between and into buildings and then being targeted by munitions – so-called ‘drop bombs' – released from the same rotary unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
Commentary accompanying the video noted that footage from a drone-mounted FLIR camera was released by the military for the first time in January and showed night-time combat also in Bhamo city.
The commentary also noted that FLIR technology has long been used in Myanmar Air Force (MAF) Mil Mi-35 attack helicopters and other manned platforms, but that its adaptation to UCAVs began in 2025 in the protracted and ongoing battle for Bhamo.
https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-and-national-security-analysis/post/myanmar-military-adapts-flir-systems-for-expanding-drone-war
Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russian refinery in Ryazan Oblast for 3rd time in 2025
February 24, 2025 10:47 AM
Drones operated by Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck an oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan Oblast, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Feb. 24.
Kyiv considers oil refineries to be valid military targets, as profits from the fossil fuel industry fund Russia's war machine.
This is the third time since the beginning of 2025 that drones have attacked the Ryazan Oil Refinery, according to the independent Telegram channel Astra.
The Ryazan Oil Refining Company's facility was previously struck overnight on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26.
At least five explosions were heard near the facility. According to preliminary data from the General Staff, the attack caused a fire near the primary oil processing facility.
The full consequences of the attack are still being determined, according to the statement.
Ryazan Oblast Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed that falling drone debris had caused a fire at "one of the enterprises" in the region. According to Malkov, no one was injured.
Ryazan lies almost 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border.
The Ryazan Oil Refinery is one of Russia's five largest oil refining facilities, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation. Its capacity is 17.1 million metric tons of oil per year.
Kovalenko added that the fuel produced at the enterprise is used by the Russian army's strategic long-range aviation, which launches missile strikes against Ukraine.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.
The Ryazan Oil Refinery previously suspended operations due to damage from Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reported on Jan. 27, citing two industry sources.
Ukraine confirmed hitting the plant in an overnight drone strike on Jan. 24.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-attack-oil-refinery-in-russias-ryazan-oblast-for-3rd-time-since-beginning-of-2025/
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/russia-launches-record-450-drone-strikes-on-ukraine-in-two-days/ar-AA1zF1Vm
Arizona guardswoman recovers after drone attack, and receives Purple Heart
February 23, 2025 5:58pm MST
An Arizona guardswoman is on the road to recovery after surviving a deadly drone attack during a deployment in Jordan in 2024.
It left her with life-long injuries, but she's not letting that get in her way.
What we know:
Sgt. Aneska Holness was just weeks into her deployment in Jordan when the drone strike happened.
"I was sleeping. I was in one of the room's buildings that were hit. It's honestly just waking up to chaos. It was very unexpected.
I don't think anyone really thought that would happen while we were there," Holness said.
"There's a sense of security and safety that you felt, especially because the base hadn't been hit in over 20-plus years."
She was one of dozens of Arizona service members who were hit in the attack. Dozens were injured, including Holness, but she still found a way to help her friend.
"She was calling out for help and everything else didn't matter in that moment. It was just trying to get to her.
"So once I got to her, and we helped her get out, that's when I really understood the scope of what had happened," she said.
Holness received the Purple Heart for her traumatic brain injuries and hip wounds.
"It was an honor meeting everybody else or some of the soldiers that got that award as well, but I think more than anything, myself included, my family, is just happy I'm still here," Holness said.
Dig deeper:
She's still here, but with more surgeries on the way. She remains focused on her future growth.
While serving, she went to Arizona State University, obtaining an undergrad degree in anthropology.
Then, while recovering, she made a choice to go back to school.
"When it came time for me to receive my master's, it was an easy choice," she said. 'I try to focus on the goal'
She attended ASU once again. This time, she earned a master's focusing on cybersecurity. It was a tremendous undertaking while also learning how to walk again and recovering at Fort Bliss.
"I try to focus on the goal," Holness said. "The end goal. That has been a source of motivation for me." She has plenty of motivation, and a mom and family who couldn't be prouder.
"I think they have seen more than anyone else how hard I've worked for it.
Especially after the injuries and having my surgeries done, I still had to work that much harder to be able to focus not just on recovery, but being able to complete with good grades as well, so they're really proud of me and celebrate my accomplishments," Holness said.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-guardswoman-recovers-after-drone-attack-receives-purple-heart
Protesters take aim at Anduril drones and weapons plant near Columbus
Updated 6:36 a.m. ET Feb 24, 2025
More than two dozen demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Air National Guard Base at Rickenbacker International Airport on Sunday afternoon to protest Anduril's planned drone factory in central Ohio.
The protest, organized by several Ohio activist groups, is one of the first public displays of opposition to Anduril's planned $900-million "Arsenal 1" drone factory, which the company has said would employ more than 4,000 people.
Organizer Darrin Broering with Veterans for Peace—a national anti-war group of military veterans—led the protest's proceedings. He said he is against any weapons manufacturing occurring in central Ohio.
"Yes, (Anduril is) gonna create a bunch of jobs, but those jobs could be producing any number of things that would be more productive and less destructive as well," Broering said.
Over around 90 minutes, the gathered protesters clutched signs critical of Anduril and the U.S. military, listened to speeches from activist leaders and joined in chants of "O-H-I-O, all these drones have got to go."
Pat Marida, a coordinator with the Ohio Nuclear Free Network, said she was concerned the factory would start wars, increase militarization around the world, harm the planet, and allow the company to "cement over central Ohio."
Sunday's protest was a way for her to coordinate with other activists so they could plan to stop the money flowing to Anduril, she said.
"If we stop the money, we can stop this," she said.
What is Anduril?
Anduril is a Southern California-based defense technology company that contracts with the U.S. military.
The company sells drones, underwater vehicles, rocket motors, AI defense systems and virtual reality systems, according to the company's website.
In January, Anduril announced it plans to invest around $900 million in a Pickaway County factory making drones, saying it would employ more than 4,000 workers.
The facility —dubbed "Arsenal 1"— would produce the company's Fury unmanned aircraft system before adding production of its Barracuda and Roadrunner drones later, The Dispatch previously reported.
The state of Ohio plans to spend $70 million to build a taxiway and other improvements at Rickenbacker International Airport for the new factory, The Dispatch previously reported.
Production at the factory is planned to start in the middle of 2026.
What's the history of Anduril?
Anduril was cofounded by Palmer Luckey, creator of the Oculus virtual reality headset, and others in 2017.
The company's current CEO, Brian Schimpf, also helped cofound Anduril after working at Palantir Technologies, a company founded by right-wing philanthropist and billionaire Peter Thiel.
Thiel helped lead the latest round of fundraising for Anduril, according to Tech Funding News.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2025/02/23/anduril-drone-factory-protest-columbus-ohio/79808034007/