Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse: Longest Blood Moon Since 2022

On the night of September 7–8, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a "Blood Moon," will grace the skies over Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This celestial event, lasting approximately 82 minutes, marks the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022. Observers in these regions will witness the Moon adopting a deep, coppery-red hue as it passes entirely into Earth's shadow.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that envelops the Moon. The reddish hue observed during totality results from Earth's atmosphere scattering shorter wavelengths of light (blue and green) while allowing longer wavelengths (red and orange) to pass through and refract onto the Moon's surface. This phenomenon is often referred to as Rayleigh scattering.

The eclipse will unfold over several phases, with the penumbral eclipse beginning at 15:28 UTC, followed by the partial eclipse at 16:27 UTC. Totality will commence at 17:30 UTC, reaching its maximum at 18:11 UTC, and concluding at 18:52 UTC. The partial and penumbral phases will end at 19:56 UTC and 20:55 UTC, respectively. Observers should convert these times to their local time zones to determine the exact timing in their region.

This eclipse will be visible across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia, allowing approximately 85% of the world's population to witness at least some part of the event. Unfortunately, the Americas will miss the spectacle, as the Moon will be below the horizon during the eclipse.

In Spain, the eclipse will be particularly notable. The penumbral phase will begin at 17:28 CEST, with the partial eclipse starting at 18:27 CEST. Totality will commence at 19:30 CEST, reaching its peak at 20:11 CEST, and concluding at 20:52 CEST. The partial and penumbral phases will end at 21:56 CEST and 22:55 CEST, respectively. In most parts of Spain, the Moon will rise already eclipsed, offering a unique viewing experience. However, in regions like the Canary Islands and western Galicia, only the final stages of the eclipse will be visible. (los40.com)

Observers are encouraged to find locations with clear skies and minimal light pollution to fully appreciate the spectacle. No special equipment is necessary to view a lunar eclipse, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience. For those unable to view the eclipse directly, live streams will be available through platforms such as Time and Date and The Virtual Telescope Project.

Lunar eclipses have been observed and recorded throughout history, often imbued with cultural and mythological significance. In Hindu mythology, eclipses are believed to occur when the celestial gods Rahu and Ketu swallow the Sun and Moon, respectively. Hindus generally consider a grahana (eclipse) as a bad omen and engage in rituals such as fasting and bathing to ward off evil. (en.wikipedia.org)

Similarly, Australian Aboriginal cultures have rich traditions surrounding lunar eclipses. Many Aboriginal groups viewed eclipses negatively, associating them with bad omens, evil magic, disease, blood, and death. In some communities, elders or medicine men were believed to have the ability to control or avert eclipses by magical means, solidifying their role as protectors within the community. (arxiv.org)

The upcoming total lunar eclipse offers a remarkable opportunity for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness one of nature's most captivating displays. Whether viewed directly or through live streams, this event serves as a reminder of the shared wonder and curiosity that the cosmos inspires across cultures and continents.