Blood Moon 2025: Where And How To Watch The Total Lunar Eclipse Live On September 7–8
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Millions of people across Asia, Western Australia, and Europe are set to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the year — a total lunar eclipse . Scheduled for the night of September 7–8, the event will turn the Moon a striking shade of red, popularly known as the “blood moon.” This phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface.
Viewers across the globe will have different timings for observing the phenomenon. In London (BST), the Moon will rise already in eclipse between 7:30 and 7:52 pm. In Paris (CEST) and Cape Town (SAST), the totality will be visible between 7:30 and 8:52 pm. Cities such as Istanbul, Cairo, and Nairobi will see it from 8:30 to 9:52 pm, while Tehran will observe the red moon from 9:00 to 10:22 pm.
In India, skywatchers in Mumbai can expect to witness the eclipse from 11:00 pm to 12:22 am. Other cities across Asia will have slightly different viewing windows. Bangkok will see the total eclipse between 12:30 and 1:52 am, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Perth between 1:30 and 2:52 am, Tokyo from 2:30 to 3:52 am, and Sydney from 3:30 to 4:52 am.
The exact shade of red depends on atmospheric conditions, including dust, volcanic activity, and cloud cover. In some cases, the Moon may appear a bright copper-red, while in others, it may take on a darker crimson hue.
The reddish glow during the eclipse is caused by Earth’s atmosphere scattering sunlight and bending it toward the Moon. For the best viewing experience, skywatchers are advised to choose a dark location away from city lights.
Timing of the Eclipse Across the World
The eclipse will reach its maximum phase at 5:11 pm EDT on September 7, which corresponds to around 2:41 am IST on September 8. At this point, the Moon will be completely engulfed in Earth’s umbral shadow. The stage of totality, when the entire Moon appears blood red, will last for about 82 minutes.Viewers across the globe will have different timings for observing the phenomenon. In London (BST), the Moon will rise already in eclipse between 7:30 and 7:52 pm. In Paris (CEST) and Cape Town (SAST), the totality will be visible between 7:30 and 8:52 pm. Cities such as Istanbul, Cairo, and Nairobi will see it from 8:30 to 9:52 pm, while Tehran will observe the red moon from 9:00 to 10:22 pm.
In India, skywatchers in Mumbai can expect to witness the eclipse from 11:00 pm to 12:22 am. Other cities across Asia will have slightly different viewing windows. Bangkok will see the total eclipse between 12:30 and 1:52 am, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Perth between 1:30 and 2:52 am, Tokyo from 2:30 to 3:52 am, and Sydney from 3:30 to 4:52 am.
What Happens During the Eclipse?
The process begins when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbral shadow, creating a subtle dimming effect. As it moves further into the umbral shadow, a darker veil covers the lunar surface. During totality, sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere gets refracted and scattered, casting a reddish-orange glow on the Moon.The exact shade of red depends on atmospheric conditions, including dust, volcanic activity, and cloud cover. In some cases, the Moon may appear a bright copper-red, while in others, it may take on a darker crimson hue.
A Larger and Brighter Blood Moon
This eclipse is unique because it occurs just 2.7 days before the Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth. This makes the Moon appear slightly larger and brighter than usual, often referred to as a “supermoon.” Combined with the deep red hue of totality, the spectacle will be a breathtaking sight for observers.Best Places to Watch the Blood Moon
According to astronomers, skywatchers in Asia and Australia will have the best view as the Moon will be high overhead during totality. This makes it ideal for both casual observers and photographers. In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will occur at moonrise, offering dramatic views of the blood-red Moon emerging on the horizon.How to Safely Watch the Lunar Eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective glasses, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. No special equipment is needed to witness the event, although binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience by revealing more surface detail.The reddish glow during the eclipse is caused by Earth’s atmosphere scattering sunlight and bending it toward the Moon. For the best viewing experience, skywatchers are advised to choose a dark location away from city lights.
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