Lunar Eclipse on September 7–8, 2025: 5 Reasons Why the Blood Moon Is Special and When to Watch It Worldwide

On the evening of September 7–8, 2025, skywatchers worldwide will be able to see a breathtaking total lunar eclipse. Known by many as the Blood Moon, the celestial event will produce one of the year's most spectacular astronomical sights as the Moon glows red for over an hour.

What is special about this Blood Moon eclipse?

1. The "Blood Moon" effect in red

The Earth's shadow, or umbra, falls on the lunar surface when it passes directly between the Sun and the Moon. The Moon will appear deep red rather than fade into darkness. This occurs because sunlight bends into orange and red hues as it passes through Earth's atmosphere and reaches the Moon.

2. The science underlying the glow: Rayleigh scattering

The red colour is a result of physics, not magic. Longer red and orange light wavelengths travel more directly, whereas shorter ones, like blue and violet, scatter in all directions. During the eclipse, this filtered light gives the Moon a fiery appearance.

3. An extended total phase

One of the longest lunar eclipses in recent memory, the eclipse's total phase will last approximately 82 minutes. That gives stargazers more than an hour of unbroken red splendour.

4. Observable on several continents

Billions of people will be able to witness this eclipse in part because it will be visible in Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe. It is one of the decade's most inclusive sky shows due to its widespread visibility.

5. Nature’s beauty—no myths, just science

Despite the dramatic appearance, the Blood Moon isn’t tied to myths or omens. It’s a natural consequence of Earth’s atmosphere interacting with sunlight, similar to the red and orange shades we see at sunset.

When and where to watch the eclipse

Here are the local timings for the total lunar eclipse in major cities (as reported by Time and Date and Space.com):

• London (BST): 7:30 p.m.–7:52 p.m. (Sept 7) – Moon rises already in eclipse
• Paris (CEST): 7:30 p.m.–8:52 p.m. (Sept 7) – low on the horizon
• Cape Town (SAST): 7:30 p.m.–8:52 p.m. (Sept 7)
• Istanbul/Cairo/Nairobi (EEST/EAT): 8:30 p.m.–9:52 p.m. (Sept 7)
• Tehran (IRST): 9:00 p.m.–10:22 p.m. (Sept 7)
• Mumbai (IST): 11:00 p.m. (Sept 7) – 12:22 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Bangkok (ICT): 12:30 a.m.–1:52 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Beijing (CST): 1:30 a.m.–2:52 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Hong Kong (HKT): 1:30 a.m.–2:52 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Perth (AWST): 1:30 a.m.–2:52 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Tokyo (JST): 2:30 a.m.–3:52 a.m. (Sept 8)
• Sydney (AEST): 3:30 a.m.–4:52 a.m. (Sept 8)

How to take in the eclipse

• For a clear view, locate an open area away from city lights.
• Give your eyes a few minutes to get used to the darkness.
• To see the Moon's surface up close, use binoculars or a telescope.
• Online platforms will broadcast the eclipse live if there are clouds in the sky.

The Blood Moon eclipse on September 7–8 is a unique chance to see Earth's natural wonders, regardless of your level of interest in astronomy or skywatching. So go outside, gaze up, and take in one of 2025's most amazing astronomical phenomena.