On September 7-8, 2025, a spectacular total lunar eclipse will create a captivating “blood moon” as Earth’s shadow envelops the moon. This astronomical event will be visible across large portions of Asia, western Australia, and eastern Europe, while other regions, including Spain and Norway, will experience a partial eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth aligns directly between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to take on a deep red hue. This phenomenon results from sunlight being refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, casting a warm glow onto the moon. Observers can safely view the eclipse with the naked eye or through binoculars and telescopes, unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear.
Phases of the Total Lunar Eclipse
The lunar eclipse will unfold in several distinct phases, beginning at 11:28 a.m. EDT (1528 GMT) on September 7. During this initial phase, known as the penumbral phase, the outer part of Earth’s shadow will gently sweep across the lunar surface. Observers may notice a faint darkening on the upper left side of the moon within an hour of this phase’s start.
As the event progresses, the moon will enter Earth’s umbral shadow at 12:27 p.m. EDT (1627 GMT). This marks the onset of the partial eclipse, where the shadow will create a sharper contrast against the lunar surface. Earth’s silhouette will rapidly cover the upper left portion of the moon, and by the time approximately 75% of the lunar disk is obscured, it may take on a reddish-brown tint due to longer wavelengths of sunlight penetrating Earth’s atmosphere.
The totality phase will commence at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT), as the last sliver of the moon slips into Earth’s umbra. This moment will transform the moon into a breathtaking blood moon, illuminated by the refracted light of sunrises and sunsets occurring on Earth simultaneously. Totality is expected to last for about 82 minutes, with the peak of the eclipse occurring at 2:11 p.m. EDT (1811 GMT). During this period, viewers may observe variations in brightness, particularly around Mare Nubium, where the lower portion of the moon appears slightly lighter.
Concluding the Eclipse
The umbral shadow will begin to recede from the lunar disk at 2:52 p.m. EDT (1852 GMT), revealing a bright crescent on the moon’s left edge. This partial eclipse phase will continue for just over an hour, concluding with the penumbral phase, which will fully end at 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT).
This total lunar eclipse will be followed by a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, visible from regions including southern Australia, various Pacific islands, and Antarctica. For those unable to witness the blood moon live, numerous free livestreams will be available online, allowing enthusiasts to experience this remarkable celestial event.
Those interested in sharing their photographs of the eclipse can submit their images and details to [email protected].
