Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat tonight as a total lunar eclipse — popularly known as a “Blood Moon” — will be visible across India and several parts of the world.
The phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon and turn it a deep red hue, a sight that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
Where and When to Watch the ‘Blood Moon’
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Date & Time:
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Penumbral phase begins: 10:01 PM IST (Sept 7)
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Total eclipse starts: 11:00 PM IST
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Total eclipse ends: 12:22 AM IST (Sept 8)
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Best Viewing Locations:
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Asia — including India and China — will have the clearest and longest view.
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Eastern Africa & Western Australia — full eclipse visible.
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Europe & Most of Africa — partial eclipse visible at moonrise.
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Americas — eclipse will not be visible.
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Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, requiring no special glasses or equipment — just clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Astronomical Significance
This is the second total lunar eclipse of 2025 and the longest since 2022, making it a major event for both amateur and professional astronomers.
Astronomers say tonight’s eclipse also acts as a precursor to a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will be visible across parts of Europe, including Spain and Iceland.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan of Queen’s University Belfast explains:
“The Moon appears red during a lunar eclipse because the only sunlight reaching it is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere. Blue light is scattered more easily, leaving behind the red wavelengths that give the Moon its iconic ‘bloody glow’.”
