A Celestial Wonder Returning to the Skies
On the evening of September 7, 2025, the night sky will host one of nature’s most captivating events: a total lunar eclipse, more dramatically known as a blood moon. While these events occur regularly, each one brings with it a unique display of cosmic precision, as the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting a deep shadow that transforms the lunar surface into a glowing reddish orb.
This year’s eclipse will be the second total lunar eclipse of 2025 and is set to be a particularly dark and richly colored one, due to how deeply the moon passes through Earth’s central shadow, the umbra.
Visible from large portions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe, the event will be watched by over 6.2 billion people worldwide, about 77% of the global population. Here’s everything you need to know about this breathtaking cosmic phenomenon and why it’s worth looking up.
What Causes a Blood Moon?
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the full moon, casting a long shadow over the lunar surface. The central, darkest part of this shadow blocks most of the sunlight from directly hitting the moon.
However, some sunlight still reaches the moon’s surface. As this light travels through Earth’s atmosphere, it is filtered and bent, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to pass through. This refracted light paints the moon in deep crimson or copper hues resulting in the eerie and beautiful appearance we call a blood moon.
This particular eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee (its closest point to Earth), meaning the moon will appear slightly larger in the sky, intensifying the experience for viewers.
Fascinating Facts About Blood Moons
- Mythology & Belief: Ancient civilizations, from the Inca to Babylon, believed blood moons were celestial warnings often linked to gods, omens, or cosmic shifts.
- Historic Tetrads: In 2014–2015, skywatchers were treated to a tetrad of four total lunar eclipses in a row. This rare sequence won’t happen again until 2032–2033.
- 2015’s Super Blood Moon: On September 27, 2015, a lunar eclipse coincided with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, producing a super blood moon that appeared larger and brighter than usual.
- Prophetic Interpretations: Biblical references, like those in the Book of Joel, link blood moons to divine prophecy, a theme often revisited in cultural and spiritual narratives.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 Blood Moon
The total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, will last from 15:28 to 20:55 GMT, with the most dramatic phase occurring from 17:30 to 18:52 GMT.
During this time, the moon will be fully immersed in the Earth’s umbra, glowing in a deep, red hue. While visibility depends on local moonrise and weather conditions, Asia and Western Australia will enjoy a complete view of the eclipse from start to finish. Africa, Eastern Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe will see various phases, including totality.
For the best experience, start observing about 75 minutes before totality to catch the partial eclipse and stay until after the moon reemerges in full brightness.
Local Times for Totality by Region
Asia – Where to See the Blood Moon and When
Country / City | Totality (Local Time) |
Mumbai, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
Delhi, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
Bengaluru, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
Kolkata, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
Karachi, Pakistan | 10:30 p.m. – 11:52 p.m. PKT (Sept 7) |
Islamabad, Pakistan | 10:30 p.m. – 11:52 p.m. PKT (Sept 7) |
Kathmandu, Nepal | 11:15 p.m. – 12:37 a.m. NPT (Sept 7–8) |
Dhaka, Bangladesh | 11:30 p.m. – 12:52 a.m. BST (Sept 7–8) |
Colombo, Sri Lanka | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. SLST (Sept 7–8) |
Bangkok, Thailand | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. ICT (Sept 8) |
Hanoi, Vietnam | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. ICT (Sept 8) |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. MYT (Sept 8) |
Jakarta, Indonesia | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. WIB (Sept 8) |
Manila, Philippines | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. PST (Sept 8) |
Singapore | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. SGT (Sept 8) |
Beijing, China | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
Shanghai, China | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
Hong Kong | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. HKT (Sept 8) |
Tokyo, Japan | 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m. JST (Sept 8) |
Seoul, South Korea | 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m. KST (Sept 8) |
Taipei, Taiwan | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
Europe
City | Moonrise (Local Time) | Totality (Local Time) |
Berlin | 7:37 p.m. CEST | 7:30 – 8:52 p.m. CEST |
Vienna | 7:20 p.m. CEST | 7:30 – 8:52 p.m. CEST |
Budapest | 7:08 p.m. CEST | 7:30 – 8:52 p.m. CEST |
Paris | 8:17 p.m. CEST | 7:30 – 8:52 p.m. CEST |
Madrid | 8:34 p.m. CEST | 7:30 – 8:52 p.m. CEST |
London | 7:30 p.m. BST | 6:30 – 7:52 p.m. BST |
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Celestial Event
The September 7, 2025 blood moon is not only an astronomical event but a reminder of our shared connection under the stars. From Asia’s vast landscapes to the savannahs of Africa, billions of people will gaze skyward together to witness a phenomenon that has fascinated humanity for millennia.
Whether you’re watching from a city balcony, a desert camp, or online via livestream, don’t miss this hauntingly beautiful eclipse. Mark your calendar, plan your view, and prepare to be amazed as the moon turns red once again.
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