"Witness the Celestial Spectacle: The Final Blood Moon of 2025 Awaits!"
Total Lunar Eclipse on September 7-8, 2025: A Celestial Spectacle
On the night of September 7-8, 2025, skywatchers around the globe will have the opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse, marking the second and final such event of the year. This celestial phenomenon will see Earth positioned directly between the sun and the full moon, casting a shadow that will envelop the moon in a striking reddish hue, commonly referred to as a "blood moon."
Eclipse Details
The total lunar eclipse will span over five hours, with the peak phase of totality lasting an impressive 82 minutes. During this time, the moon will be completely shrouded in Earth’s shadow, transforming its appearance into a deep red color. This effect is caused by Rayleigh scattering, a phenomenon where Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light (blue) while allowing longer wavelengths (red) to pass through and illuminate the moon.
The eclipse will commence at 11:28 AM EDT (15:28 UTC), but unfortunately, viewers in the United States will miss the event as the full moon will have already set by that time. Instead, the best viewing locations will be in Asia and Western Australia, where approximately 6 billion people—nearly 77% of the world’s population—will have a front-row seat to the entire total phase of the eclipse.
Global Visibility
While North and South America will largely miss out on the spectacle, parts of Europe and Africa will still be able to observe at least a portion of the totality phase, which concludes at 20:55 UTC. As the moon gradually exits Earth’s shadow, observers in these regions will witness the transition from totality to partial eclipse.
For those in North America eager to experience the blood moon, a free livestream will be available through the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy. The stream is set to begin at 1:45 PM EDT (17:45 UTC), shortly after moonrise in Italy. The moon will appear partially eclipsed at first, reaching totality approximately 45 minutes later.
How to Watch
Skywatchers can tune in to the livestream on the Virtual Telescope Project’s official YouTube page to catch the event in real time. This online option provides an excellent opportunity for those unable to view the eclipse directly due to geographic limitations.
The Science Behind the Blood Moon
Total lunar eclipses occur during a full moon when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly. The innermost part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, blocks sunlight from reaching the moon. The reddish color during totality is a result of sunlight bending around Earth and filtering through its atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths and allows longer wavelengths to illuminate the moon.
Upcoming Solar Eclipse
Following the lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse will take place on September 21, 2025. This event will be visible from parts of New Zealand, Australia, and Antarctica, with up to 80% of the sun’s disk obscured during the peak. Several Pacific islands, including Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, will experience a slimmer eclipse, with less than 30% of the sun’s disk covered.
Conclusion
The total lunar eclipse on September 7-8, 2025, promises to be a spectacular event for millions around the world. While many in the Western Hemisphere will miss the show, the livestream option ensures that everyone can partake in this awe-inspiring celestial event. As we prepare for this astronomical phenomenon, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of our universe.