Get Ready for the Longest Total Lunar Eclipse Since 2022 — September 7’s Blood Moon Spectacle!
Mark your calendars for a spectacular celestial event happening on Sunday, September 7, 2025—a total lunar eclipse that promises to turn the Moon a mesmerizing shade of red for an extended period. Also known as a “Blood Moon,” this eclipse is expected to captivate sky watchers across the globe.
What Happens During a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that darkens the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves completely into Earth’s darkest shadow, called the umbra. At this time, sunlight filters through the Earth’s atmosphere, bending and scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to illuminate the Moon. This causes the Moon to glow with a deep red or rusty color, creating the “Blood Moon” effect.
September 7 Eclipse Highlights
- Duration: The entire event will last about 5 hours and 27 minutes from start to finish.
- Totality: The phase of total darkness, when the Moon is fully covered, will last approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes, which is one of the longest totalities in recent years.
- Visibility: This eclipse will be visible in its entirety from East Africa, Asia, and Australia. In Europe and some parts of Africa, the Moon will be rising while the eclipse is already underway. Observers in the central Pacific Ocean will see the eclipse as the Moon sets.
- Brightness and Size: The Moon will appear near its perigee (closest point to Earth), which means it will look slightly larger and brighter than usual during this eclipse.
Where and When to Watch?
People in East Africa, Asia, Australia, and neighboring regions will have the best views. The total eclipse reaches its greatest point at around 20:11 local time in Namibia (Central Africa Time). If you live in Europe or other parts of Africa, look for the Moon rising already in eclipse.
For those elsewhere, interactive eclipse maps and time conversion tools can help determine the exact timing and visibility based on your location.
Why This Eclipse Is So Special
Lunar eclipses are more accessible than solar eclipses because they can be seen from any part of the world where the Moon is visible at the time. This makes the September 7 eclipse a chance for over 85% of the world’s population—over 7 billion people—to experience this incredible event.
The totality phase lasting 82 minutes is long compared to many past eclipses, giving plenty of time for viewers to enjoy and photograph the stunning “Blood Moon.”
How to Prepare
- Find an area with a clear view of the night sky.
- No special equipment is needed; the eclipse is visible to the naked eye.
- Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the experience.
- Check local times for the eclipse phases to catch the best moments.
Don’t miss this natural wonder lighting up the night with a fiery red glow!
Capture your best shots of this total lunar eclipse and share them with us. Tag @99fmnam and use #TheCrossover—we’re excited to see the night sky through your lens! Grab your cameras and be part of this cosmic spectacle.