Mark your calendars! On September 7, 2025, a spectacular celestial event will grace the night sky: a total lunar eclipse, transforming the moon into a breathtaking "blood moon." This is the second total lunar eclipse of 2025, offering a stunning visual display for a vast portion of the globe.
Prime Viewing Locations
The most privileged viewers will reside in Asia and Western Australia, where the entire eclipse will be visible from beginning to end. Europe, Africa, eastern Australia, and New Zealand also stand a chance to witness totality – the captivating 82 minutes when the moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. However, your viewing success depends on the timing of the moonrise in your specific location.
Imagine the moon ascending over the horizon, already painted in deep red hues – a sight more dramatic than many sunrises! Some European cities will experience just that.
Timing is Everything
Totality is scheduled from 17:30 to 18:52 GMT. The partial eclipse commences roughly 75 minutes prior. For specific locations, here's a glimpse:
- Perth: 1:30 to 2:52 a.m. on Sept. 8
- Mumbai: 11:00 p.m. to 12:22 a.m.
- Cairo: 8:30 to 9:52 p.m.
- Cape Town: 7:30 to 8:52 p.m.
To pinpoint the precise timings for your area, consult Time and Date.
A Missed Opportunity for the U.S.
Unfortunately, skywatchers in the United States will miss out on this particular blood moon eclipse.
A Slightly Larger, Radically Red Moon
This eclipse occurs a mere 2.7 days before perigee, the moon's closest approach to Earth. While it won't be a full-fledged supermoon, it will appear marginally larger than usual. However, the most striking feature will undoubtedly be its color. Approximately 36 percent of the moon's diameter will traverse the darkest region of Earth's shadow. This shadow scatters shorter wavelengths of light, allowing the redder tones to permeate. The result? A saturated, rust-colored moon suspended in the night sky.
Even before and after totality, the spectacle continues. Watch as Earth's curved shadow gradually encroaches upon the moon's edge. And after the deep red phase, witness the moon slowly reclaim its silvery luminescence.