A total lunar eclipse on September 7-8 will turn the moon red. Learn why the moon turns blood-red during the eclipse and where to watch it around the world.
 |
| A blood moon eclipse will paint the moon red on September 7-8, 2025. Find out why this occurs and how you can catch the breathtaking view from across the world. Image: NASA/ CH |
London, United Kingdom — September 7, 2025:
On the evening of September 7, 2025, a breathtaking celestial event will unfold as a total lunar eclipse turns the moon into a striking red orb. This "blood moon" phenomenon, visible across parts of Asia, Europe, and Australia, might seem mystical, but it is actually the result of a well-understood natural process involving light and shadow.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is fully immersed in Earth's shadow, the umbra, causing it to take on a reddish tint. This reddish glow is not due to the moon itself but rather the way Earth's atmosphere interacts with sunlight.
As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, the shorter wavelengths, like blue and violet, scatter away. The longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, continue through and bend around Earth, reaching the moon. This refracted light bathes the moon in a reddish hue, creating the dramatic color that observers associate with the blood moon.
The reason why the moon appears red tonight is further amplified by its proximity to Earth. The moon is near perigee, the closest point in its orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter in the sky than usual. As the moon passes through the deepest part of Earth’s umbra, the color will appear more intense, with deeper shades of red than usual. This makes tonight’s eclipse even more spectacular.
The eclipse will reach its maximum phase at 5:11 p.m. EDT (21:11 GMT) on September 7, 2025, and will last for approximately 82 minutes. This total phase, when the moon is fully engulfed in the umbra, will offer the most vivid view of the red moon. The event will be visible at different times depending on where you are in the world. For example, in London, the eclipse will peak at 7:30 p.m. BST, and in Mumbai, it will occur from 11:00 p.m. IST to 12:22 a.m. IST on September 8.
In Asia and Australia, the moon will be high in the sky during totality, creating ideal viewing conditions. In Europe and Africa, the moon will rise at dusk, adding to the visual drama as the red hue emerges. Unfortunately, skywatchers in the Americas will miss this event, but there will be livestreams available for anyone who wants to experience the phenomenon from the comfort of home.
The combination of a blood moon and a supermoon, with the moon’s size slightly larger than normal, will make tonight’s eclipse especially memorable. If you are fortunate enough to be in a viewing location, this event is not only a beautiful spectacle but a reminder of the predictable, rhythmic movement of the celestial bodies that surround us.
While eclipses like this have often been interpreted as omens in various cultures, the science behind them is a testament to the elegance of nature’s processes. The red hue of the moon tonight is not a supernatural event but rather a natural consequence of light and shadow. It's a moment for skywatchers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the universe.
As the eclipse unfolds, the moon’s red glow will serve as a reminder of our connection to the vast cosmos above. Whether you’re observing it with binoculars, a telescope, or simply with your eyes, the blood moon will undoubtedly leave an impression, not just on the sky, but on those who pause to appreciate the natural wonder unfolding overhead.