The September 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon: Everything You Need to Know

This weekend, sky-watchers around the world will be treated to a spectacular celestial event: the second and final total lunar eclipse of 2025. Often referred to as a “blood moon,” this phenomenon occurs when the Earth, sun, and moon align perfectly, casting a deep, reddish-orange glow on the lunar surface.

While the timing of the eclipse means it won’t be visible in the Americas, a significant portion of the global population will have a front-row seat to this stunning cosmic show.

What is a Total Lunar Eclipse or ‘Blood Moon’?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, and the Earth’s shadow obscures the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes completely into the Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the “umbra.”

The moon doesn’t go completely dark, however. The reddish-orange color that gives the event its nickname is caused by sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter, blue wavelengths of light are scattered by the atmosphere, while longer, red wavelengths are filtered and refracted onto the moon’s surface, painting it in a rusty hue. This phenomenon is a natural and beautiful demonstration of atmospheric optics.

When and Where to See the September 2025 Eclipse

The total lunar eclipse blood moon will take place on the night of September 7 and into the early morning of September 8, 2025. While the entire event will last several hours, the most dramatic phase of “totality” will last for over an hour.

Here is a general timeline (convert to your local time zone):

• Eclipse begins (partial penumbral): 10:28 a.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 7 (15:28 UTC)
• Total eclipse begins: 12:30 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 7 (17:30 UTC)
• Maximum eclipse: 1:12 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 7 (18:12 UTC)
• Total eclipse ends: 1:52 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 7 (18:52 UTC)
• Eclipse ends (partial penumbral): 3:55 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 7 (20:55 UTC)

As the timings show, the eclipse occurs during the daytime in the U.S. and is therefore not visible. However, sky-watchers in other parts of the world will get a spectacular view:

• Best Visibility: Asia and Western Australia will have the best views, with the total phase occurring overnight.
• Partial Visibility: Parts of Europe, Africa, eastern Australia, and New Zealand will see at least a portion of the eclipse.

What Makes This Eclipse Special?

Unlike a solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye and requires no special equipment. For the best experience, find a location away from city lights with an unobstructed view of the moon. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, revealing the beautiful colors and details of the moon’s surface.

This eclipse is the last lunar eclipse of 2025, making it a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual sky-watchers alike. While many are calling it a “blood moon,” its appearance will depend on a variety of factors, including dust and pollution in Earth’s atmosphere, which can make each eclipse unique.