A breathtaking event is about to unfold in the skies on September 7, 2025. A total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a blood moon, will grace the skies, painting the moon in an eerie red hue for millions around the world. According to Time and Date, this eclipse will be a global spectacle, visible to over 7 billion people, with the total phase lasting a stunning 82 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or simply curious about this celestial occurrence, this guide will provide everything you need to know about the event. From the best viewing locations to the science behind the “blood moon,” let’s dive into this cosmic phenomenon and prepare for one of the most exciting lunar events of the decade.
What Is a Blood Moon?
A “blood moon” occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth aligns perfectly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that completely covers the lunar surface. As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, it bends and scatters, casting a red glow onto the moon. This phenomenon is the result of the longer wavelengths of red and orange light passing through Earth’s atmosphere while shorter blue wavelengths are absorbed or scattered. The result is a moon that appears to be bathed in a dark, coppery red, earning its haunting nickname, “blood moon.”
This event is a rare treat for stargazers because total lunar eclipses only occur about once every 18 months, but not every eclipse results in the vibrant red hues. The degree of the moon’s redness depends on the atmospheric conditions on Earth, such as pollution, volcanic activity, and the position of the sun. The deeper the moon enters the Earth’s shadow, the darker and more dramatic the color becomes, offering a richer and more intense sight. This blending of atmospheric physics and cosmic alignment makes each blood moon a rare and awe-inspiring event.
When and Where Will the September 2025 Blood Moon Be Visible?
The September 7, 2025 total lunar eclipse will be visible to approximately 77% of the world’s population, making it one of the most widely seen eclipses in recent history. The eclipse will span from 15:28 GMT to 20:55 GMT, with the totality phase lasting a dramatic 82 minutes. While the event will be visible to millions across different continents, the best views will be from regions like Asia, Western Australia, and South Africa.
In Asia, countries such as India, China, and Japan will have excellent visibility, especially in the evening when the moon is high in the sky. For those in Australia, Western Australia will enjoy a front-row seat to the totality phase, with minimal light pollution and clear skies. South Africa and parts of East Africa will also witness the event, particularly in cities like Cape Town, where the skywatching conditions will be ideal.
In Europe, the moon will rise already in partial eclipse. For viewers in cities like Berlin, Paris, and London, the moon will appear as a deep red right from the moment it rises, creating an enchanting view as it ascends on the horizon. Timing is essential here, as the moon will already be partially in shadow when it becomes visible. Although this limits visibility of the full eclipse, the sight of a red moon rising in the evening sky will still be spectacular.
For those in regions where timing or weather might obstruct the view, there will be ample opportunities to follow the event online. Live-streaming services from organizations such as Space.com and NASA will allow people worldwide to watch the eclipse unfold in real-time.
The global path of the total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7, 2025. (Image credit: F. Espenak, NASA’s GSFC)
The Science Behind the Red Glow: Why Does the Moon Turn Blood Red?
The red glow of the moon during a total lunar eclipse is the result of a fascinating scientific process. When the Earth casts its shadow over the moon, sunlight still reaches the lunar surface—albeit indirectly. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, the shorter blue wavelengths are scattered in all directions, leaving only the longer red wavelengths to filter through. This process is called Rayleigh scattering, and it’s the same phenomenon that makes sunsets appear red.
When the Earth’s atmosphere is particularly clear, the moon may appear only slightly red. However, if the atmosphere is filled with dust or pollution, such as after a volcanic eruption, the color can deepen, giving the moon a dark, blood-like hue. The deeper the moon goes into Earth’s umbra, the more saturated the color becomes, offering a richer and more dramatic sight. This unique blending of atmospheric physics and cosmic alignment makes each blood moon a rare and awe-inspiring event.
Additionally, this effect is amplified by the unique position of the moon relative to the Earth during the eclipse. The Earth’s shadow consists of two parts: the penumbra, a light outer shadow, and the umbra, the dark inner shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is fully immersed in the umbra, and the sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere bends toward the moon, casting the iconic red hue. This phenomenon gives rise to the deep color that we associate with the “blood moon.”
How to View the Eclipse: Best Locations and Tips
While the total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, will be visible to millions of people around the world, the experience will vary depending on where you are located. Some regions will be able to witness the entire eclipse, while others will only catch certain phases of the event. To fully enjoy the eclipse, it’s essential to know the best locations and viewing tips.
If you’re located in Asia, Western Australia, or South Africa, you will have the best opportunity to witness the eclipse from start to finish. These regions will experience the totality phase for a full 82 minutes, allowing you to see the moon gradually darken and turn red. In Europe, the moon will rise already in partial eclipse, but cities such as Berlin and London will still get a spectacular view of the red moon as it rises above the horizon.
To ensure the best experience, it’s vital to check local timings. The eclipse will occur at different times depending on your location, so it’s important to know exactly when to start watching. You should aim to be in position about 75 minutes before totality to see the partial phases as Earth’s shadow slowly creeps across the moon.
In terms of viewing conditions, clear skies are essential. Light pollution can significantly hinder the visibility of the eclipse, so try to find a location away from city lights for the best experience. Using binoculars or a telescope will allow you to get a closer look at the moon and see details like its surface features in greater clarity. Although lunar eclipses are safe to view without protective eyewear, a telescope will offer a more detailed and enhanced experience.