Why is it called a blood moon?

The term “Blood Moon” stems from the Moon’s reddish appearance during a total lunar eclipse.

As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, it bends and scatters, with red light dominating due to its longer wavelength.

This effect is similar to the red hues seen in sunsets, often described poetically as “the light of all the world’s sunsets projected onto the Moon.”

The name also carries cultural weight, as ancient civilisations sometimes viewed the red Moon as an omen or sign of significant events.

Other names for a Blood Moon

Red Moon: A simple description of its color during totality.

Harvest Moon: If the eclipse coincides with the full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox (typically September), as is the case for the September 2025 eclipse.

Hunter’s Moon, Corn Moon, etc.: Depending on the month, a Blood Moon may take on traditional full Moon names tied to seasonal or cultural significance.

Lunar Tetrad: Refers to a rare series of four total lunar eclipses occurring approximately six months apart over two years, sometimes called a “Blood Moon Tetrad” in religious or cultural contexts.

Is a Blood Moon coming in September 2025?

Yes, a total lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, is scheduled for September 7–8, 2025.

The (penumbral) eclipse will begin at 7.28pm (UAE time, 15:28 UTC) on September 7, 2025.

The entire event, including penumbral and partial phases, spans about 5 hours and 27 minutes.

Key timings for totality (Local Times):

UAE: 7:28 PM GST (Sept 7) to 12:53 AM (Sept 8) local time

Perth, Australia: 1:30–2:52 AM AWST (Sept 8)

Cairo, Egypt: 8:30–9:52 PM EEST (Sept 7)

Cape Town, South Africa: 7:30–8:52 PM SAST (Sept 7)

Tokyo, Japan: 2:30–3:52 AM JST (Sept 8)

How often does a Blood Moon occur?

Lunar eclipses happen approximately twice a year, but total lunar eclipses (Blood Moons) are less frequent, occurring about once every 1–3 years.

Only about 29% of lunar eclipses are total.

For example, 2025 will see two total lunar eclipses (March 13–14 and September 7–8). 

A lunar tetrad, where four total eclipses occur in two years, is much rarer, happening roughly once every decade or so, with the next tetrad expected in 2032–2033. 

The frequency of Blood Moons visible from a specific location depends on geography, as only about 4–5 total eclipses are visible from any single location per decade.

Best places to view the September 2025 Blood Moon

The September 7–8, 2025, Blood Moon will be visible to approximately 6.2 billion people (77% of the world’s population), primarily in:

Asia and Western Australia: Best views, with the entire eclipse (including totality) visible from start to finish.

Europe, Middle East and Africa: Excellent visibility, though in Europe, the Moon may rise during totality, and in western regions, it may set before the eclipse ends.

Eastern Australia and New Zealand: Partial visibility of later phases.

North and South America: Limited to partial phases, as the Moon will set before totality begins.

Optimal viewing locations:

Chandigarh, India: Clear views with minimal light pollution in open areas.

Perth, Australia: Prime viewing during early morning hours.

Nairobi, Kenya, or Cape Town, South Africa: Excellent visibility in clear, dark skies.

For the best experience, choose a location with:

Minimal light pollution (rural areas, rooftops, or fields).

A clear, unobstructed horizon.

Low cloud cover and smog, as weather can obscure visibility.

Recommended gear for viewing

Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses, so no protective filters are needed.

The following gear enhances the experience:

Binoculars (7×50 or 10×50): Affordable and portable, binoculars provide a closer view of the Moon’s surface, revealing craters and maria during the reddish phase. A 7×50 pair offers a good balance of magnification and light collection.

Telescope: A small refractor or reflector telescope (e.g., 70–100mm aperture) allows detailed observation of lunar features. A low-power eyepiece (25–40mm) is ideal for viewing the entire Moon.

Camera with tripod: For astrophotography, use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (200–300mm) to capture the Moon’s red hue. Set a low ISO (100–400) and experiment with exposures (1/100 to 1 second) during totality. A sturdy tripod prevents shake.

Star chart or App: Apps like Stellarium or SkySafari help identify surrounding stars and constellations.

Warm clothing and chair: For comfort during the multi-hour event, especially in cooler September nights.