India Eyes the 'Blood Moon': How and When to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse
A mesmerizing celestial event—a total lunar eclipse, popularly called the "Blood Moon"—is set to unfold on the night of September 7–8, 2025. Skywatchers across India and much of Asia, Africa, and Australia will be able to witness this rare spectacle, weather permitting.
The eclipse kicks off with the Earth's shadow beginning its subtle sweep across the Moon at around 9:57 PM IST. As the eclipse deepens, the Moon will gradually darken until it is fully engulfed by Earth's umbral shadow, marking the start of the totality phase at approximately 11:00 PM IST. During this time, the lunar surface will take on a deep red or coppery glow—hence the nickname "Blood Moon." This vivid red coloration occurs because sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters shorter blue wavelengths and bends longer red wavelengths toward the Moon.
Totality will last around 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it one of the longer and more captivating lunar eclipses in recent memory. After that, the Moon will slowly emerge from Earth's shadow, and the eclipse will conclude by around 1:27 AM IST on September 8.
No special equipment or protective eyewear is needed—this lunar phenomenon is visible safely with the naked eye. For the best view, step away from city lights and find a clear, open spot. Letting your eyes adjust to the dark for 15 to 20 minutes will enhance the visual experience, and even basic binoculars or a tripod-mounted camera can enrich the view or improve your photography of the deep red Moon.
From casual observers to dedicated photographers, this Blood Moon offers a memorable stargazing moment. Whether you're on a rooftop, at a park, or in the countryside, mark your calendars—September 7–8 promises a celestial performance that’s hard to miss.
The eclipse kicks off with the Earth's shadow beginning its subtle sweep across the Moon at around 9:57 PM IST. As the eclipse deepens, the Moon will gradually darken until it is fully engulfed by Earth's umbral shadow, marking the start of the totality phase at approximately 11:00 PM IST. During this time, the lunar surface will take on a deep red or coppery glow—hence the nickname "Blood Moon." This vivid red coloration occurs because sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters shorter blue wavelengths and bends longer red wavelengths toward the Moon.
Totality will last around 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it one of the longer and more captivating lunar eclipses in recent memory. After that, the Moon will slowly emerge from Earth's shadow, and the eclipse will conclude by around 1:27 AM IST on September 8.
No special equipment or protective eyewear is needed—this lunar phenomenon is visible safely with the naked eye. For the best view, step away from city lights and find a clear, open spot. Letting your eyes adjust to the dark for 15 to 20 minutes will enhance the visual experience, and even basic binoculars or a tripod-mounted camera can enrich the view or improve your photography of the deep red Moon.
From casual observers to dedicated photographers, this Blood Moon offers a memorable stargazing moment. Whether you're on a rooftop, at a park, or in the countryside, mark your calendars—September 7–8 promises a celestial performance that’s hard to miss.