Millions of residents across Asia and Europe are expected to witness a total lunar eclipse, also known as 'Blood Moon'. The phenomenon is expected to turn the moon blood red.
The celestial occurrence is expected to happen overnight on September 7 and 8, 2025. Skywatchers across Asia, Western Australia, and Europe will reportedly be able to witness the ‘blood moon’.
At 5:11 pm EDT (around 2:41 am IST) on September 7, the lunar eclipse will attain its maximum phase, meaning the moon will be fully engulfed in Earth’s dark umbral shadow.
When the moon is entirely immersed in the umbral shadow, it is known as totality; and this time, the phase is expected to last for 82 minutes, about an hour plus.
The totality viewing times vary across different time zones, and the lunar eclipse will be visible across multiple regions.
77 per cent of the world’s population would reportedly be able to see the entire total phase of the eclipse.
In London (BST), the Moon will rise already in eclipse between 7:30 and 7:52 pm, while in Paris (CEST) and Cape Town (SAST), it is expected to run from 7:30 to 8:52 pm.
Istanbul, Cairo, and Nairobi (EEST/EAT) will experience it from 8:30 to 9:52 pm, and Tehran (IRST), from 9:00 to 10:22 pm.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai (IST), it will span 11:00 pm–12:22 am. Bangkok (ICT) will observe the phenomenon at 12:30–1:52 am; Beijing (CST), Hong Kong (HKT), and Perth (AWST), from 1:30–2:52 am; Tokyo (JST), 2:30–3:52 am, and Sydney (AEST), 3:30–4:52 am.
During this phase called the Blood Moon, the moon enters the Earth’s penumbral shadow, marking the beginning of the eclipse.
As the moon moves further into the umbra, a dark shadow is cast across the lunar surface until totality, which brings a reddish-orange hue.
It'snoteworthy that the colour of the moon is largely dependent on the atmospheric conditions on Earth during the eclipse.
The lunar eclipse on September 7-8 happens just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee, the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit where it comes closest to Earth.
This makes it appear slightly bigger than its usual size. As it moves through Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of the shadow, the Moon is expected to glow in a rich and dark hue of red.
Those watching from Asia and Australia are likely to have the best experience, as the Moon will be high overhead during totality. This would make it perfect for casual viewing and photography.
Meanwhile, in some parts of Europe and Africa, the eclipse would be seen at moonrise, offering a stunning horizon view.
