5 Minutes
On the night of 7–8 September 2025 a total lunar eclipse will turn the full Moon a deep red for observers across large parts of the globe. This event — the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 — will deliver roughly 82 minutes of totality, during which the Moon takes on the characteristic "blood red" color that gives this phenomenon its popular name. The eclipse will be widely visible across Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe, putting more than 7 billion people within viewing range; approximately 6.2 billion will be positioned to witness the total phase from start to finish.
When and where to watch
The complete eclipse spans about five and a half hours, beginning at 15:28:25 GMT and ending at 20:55:08 GMT. The period of totality — when the Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbra and appears red — runs from 17:30:48 GMT to 18:52:51 GMT (approximately 1 hour 22 minutes).
Visibility is favorable for much of the Eastern Hemisphere. Observers across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia will see the eclipse either in part or in full. The Americas will mostly be in daylight and will miss the event, though Hawaii, a portion of Alaska and a small region of Brazil may catch a partial eclipse at moonrise or moonset.
A diagram showing where in the world the eclipse will be visible. The lightest regions have the best view; the darkest regions won't see it at all. (NASA)
To convert GMT to your local time, use an online time converter or enter your location on timeanddate.com. Plan to be outside and ready a little before the listed times: lunar eclipses move slowly across the sky, but clouds and horizon obstructions can limit views.
Scientific background: why the Moon turns red
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, placing the Moon in Earth’s shadow (a configuration known as a syzygy). Although Earth blocks direct sunlight, some solar light is refracted and filtered through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the lunar surface. Shorter (blue) wavelengths scatter more strongly in the atmosphere; longer (red) wavelengths are bent toward the Moon. The result is a range of orange to deep red hues — the same physical process that reddens sunsets and sunrises on Earth (Rayleigh scattering and atmospheric refraction).
Observation tips and scientific relevance
Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye and are excellent opportunities for public outreach and amateur astronomers. For the best experience, choose a dark site with a clear view of the horizon where the Moon will be positioned during the event. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal surface details and color gradients; a DSLR on a tripod with exposures of a few seconds can capture the red tones. Because lunar eclipses are visible to wide areas of Earth simultaneously, they are also useful for educational demonstrations about Earth's atmosphere and orbital geometry.
Lunar eclipses occur approximately twice per year in various forms (penumbral, partial, total), and they are linked to solar eclipses by the alignment of Earth, Moon and Sun. A lunar eclipse always occurs roughly two weeks before or after a solar eclipse; in this case, a partial solar eclipse will follow on 21 September 2025 but will be visible only from New Zealand, parts of Antarctica, some Pacific islands and a narrow section of Australia’s east coast.
Expert Insight
"Total lunar eclipses offer both a striking visual display and a simple laboratory for atmospheric optics," says Dr. Lena Ortega, planetary scientist at the Institute for Earth and Space Studies. "The exact color and brightness of the eclipsed Moon can vary with global atmospheric conditions — for example, recent volcanic ash or widespread aerosols can deepen the red. For observers, it’s a rare chance to see planetary-scale processes with the unaided eye."
Conclusion
The 7–8 September 2025 total lunar eclipse is a globally significant astronomy event: the longest totality since 2022, widely visible across populated continents, and safe and accessible to casual observers and amateur astronomers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or simply curious, mark your calendar, check local times and weather, and consider using binoculars or a camera to capture the slowly changing hues of Earth's satellite as it passes through our planet’s shadow.
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