Black Balsam or (Cloud)Bust: Juxtaposed Tides' Quest to Capture the 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse Part One

The Quest to Capture the 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse

For photographers and celestial adventurers, rare astronomical events are more than just photo ops—they’re moments that connect us deeply to the cosmos. At Juxtaposed Tides, we never leave capturing these phenomena up to chance. Instead, we meticulously plan, obsessively research, and carefully plot every detail of our excursions. And for the March 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse, we knew we had to take our preparation game to the next level.

With uncertain skies threatening our view, the stakes were high.

Yet, with just two days remaining before the lunar spectacle, we decided to roll the dice and set our compass toward one of our all-time favorite stargazing destinations: Black Balsam Knob in Western North Carolina. What followed was the definition of an Aperture Abenteuer—a photographic journey where preparation meets passion, and where adventure and astronomy merge beneath a tapestry of stars.

In this detailed guide, we’ll pull back the curtain on how our crew at Juxtaposed Tides prepares to capture celestial magic. You’ll see every step—from the moment we first opened our laptops, through tense forecasts and conflicting trail reports, right up to packing our gear and hitting the trail. Join us on this adventure behind the lens.

Step 1: Deep Dive into Celestial Research

Extraordinary images don’t happen by accident; they require diligent preparation and precise timing. When facing something as rare as a total lunar eclipse, surface-level research just won’t cut it—you need comprehensive tools and detailed data.

Our Secret Weapon: TimeandDate.com

Every seasoned astrophotographer knows the golden rule: start your planning at TimeandDate.com. It’s an indispensable treasure trove, providing:

• Exact timings for each eclipse stage.

• Interactive visibility maps.

• Detailed forecasts and astronomical data.

For the March 13–14, 2025 eclipse, this site gave us everything we needed to know—down to the minute—to confidently schedule our shoot.

Weather Forecasts: Navigating Nature’s Uncertainty

No matter how skilled you are, you can’t photograph through thick clouds. We monitored forecasts obsessively, cross-checking multiple weather apps. Western Carolina offered roughly 50–60% cloud cover, which was enough to gamble on. The alternative was distant locations with clearer skies, but mountains hold their own mysterious appeal—so, armed with optimism (and our rain gear), we embraced the risk.

Finding the Perfect Location: The Black Balsam Gamble

Selecting the perfect spot involves equal parts strategy, intuition, and experience. Knowing exactly where to set up can make or break the shoot, and this became our toughest logistical challenge yet.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Dilemma

Days before our planned departure, conflicting reports about road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) emerged. Some official sources claimed it was open; others indicated closures due to winter damage. This uncertainty compelled us to craft a backup plan.

Trail Navigation with AllTrails

Leveraging our familiarity with the landscape and using the powerful AllTrails app, we meticulously plotted alternate routes—connecting trails that would lead us to Black Balsam Knob even if vehicular access was impossible. This layered strategy ensured we’d reach our prime viewing location no matter what.

Step-by-Step Planning with PhotoPills

Every astrophotographer knows that composition and timing are everything. PhotoPills is the unrivaled champion among photo-planning apps, helping us visualize precisely how the eclipse would unfold.

Here’s how we utilized PhotoPills:

• Location Pinning: Marked our exact planned position at Black Balsam.

• Moon Path Prediction: Set accurate timing for each eclipse phase—penumbral, partial, totality, and concluding phases.

• Augmented Reality (AR): We previewed the moon’s exact trajectory in real-time, confirming ideal photographic angles.

Plus, PhotoPills avoids annoying subscription models, instead opting for a single, straightforward purchase.

Preparing for Every Scenario: Backup Plans Galore

When nature’s in charge, Plan A is never enough. We operate under a multiple-backup philosophy, designing layered contingency plans to ensure the journey always feels worthwhile:

• Plan A: Ideal conditions at Black Balsam Knob.

• Plan B: Quick relocation to nearby peaks if weather turns sour.

• Plan C: Complete change of venue to pre-selected backup spots in Eastern Carolina.

• Plan D: If the weather refuses to cooperate entirely, we’ll document the journey itself, turning disappointment into adventure.

Essential Gear: Packing for the Unpredictable

A night in the mountains demands thorough preparation. Every item is carefully chosen to maximize safety, comfort, and photographic success. Here’s our detailed checklist:

• Photography Gear: Cameras, lenses, tripods, batteries, memory cards, extra chargers.

• Navigation Tools: AllTrails app, GPS, and printed trail maps for redundancy.

• Weather and Safety Gear: Layered clothing, waterproof jackets, thermal gloves, headlamps, first-aid supplies, and extra nourishment.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Adventure

Planning astrophotography trips is an art form all its own—filled with anticipation, anxiety, and excitement. Whether the skies bless us or challenge us, our Aperture Abenteuer to Black Balsam Knob has already enriched our journey with invaluable lessons and unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned for Part Two of our adventure, where we’ll share the full story—whether we photographed a luminous lunar spectacle or ended up capturing memories beneath cloudy skies.

If you're planning your own celestial photo session, tag us on Instagram—we'd love to share your experience and celebrate your captures.

Until then, keep your eyes upward and fingers crossed for clear skies.

Happy stargazing! 🌙✨

— The Juxtaposed Tides Team