Total lunar eclipse in September captivates the world with the “Blood Moon”

On the night of September 7 to 8, 2025, millions worldwide will have the chance to witness one of the year’s most fascinating astronomical events: a total lunar eclipse, known as the “Blood Moon.” The phenomenon, occurring when Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the satellite, will be visible in parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America, including Brazil’s east coast. Lasting 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 24 seconds, the celestial spectacle promises to attract observers, from amateur astronomers to curious onlookers, drawn to the reddish hue that characterizes the Moon during totality. Visibility depends on favorable weather conditions, and platforms like TimeandDate.com offer precise schedules for each city. The event, requiring no special equipment, stands out for its accessibility and visual impact, sparking global interest.

The September total lunar eclipse is the second of 2025, following one in March widely observed in the Americas. Unlike the first, this eclipse spans an even broader geographic area, reaching about 87% of the global population, with 60% able to watch it in full. The event’s uniqueness lies in the rare astronomical alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, known as syzygy.

• What is a total lunar eclipse? The Moon passes fully through Earth’s shadow, taking on a reddish hue.
• Why does it happen? Perfect alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during a full Moon is essential.
• Global visibility: Regions like Asia, eastern Africa, and Australia will see the full event, while Brazil will see parts of it.

Schedules and visibility by region

The observation of the September 7-8 total lunar eclipse varies by time zone and location. In Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and India, the phenomenon will be visible from start to finish, with the total phase beginning around 6:30 PM in Tokyo time (UTC+9) and peaking at 7:44 PM. In western Australia, the event occurs at similar times, with clear skies being crucial for optimal viewing. On Brazil’s east coast, such as in Recife and Salvador, the eclipse will be partially visible, with the total phase occurring between 11:30 PM and 12:45 AM (Brasília time, UTC-3). In inland cities like Brasília and São Paulo, the Moon may be lower on the horizon, requiring unobstructed views to the west.

To ensure the best experience, experts recommend consulting tools like TimeandDate.com, which adjusts schedules for each locality. The event’s total duration, including penumbral and partial phases, is nearly 3.5 hours, but the total phase, when the Moon takes on its reddish hue, lasts about 1 hour and 12 minutes. Regions with higher cloud cover, like parts of western Europe, may face challenges, while desert areas in eastern Africa offer ideal conditions.

• Asia: Full visibility, with highlights in Japan and India.
• Australia: Western regions with complete visibility; eastern areas see partial phases.
• Brazil: East coast with better visibility; inland depends on a clear horizon.
• Europe and Africa: Partial visibility in some areas, full in others.

What causes the “Blood Moon”?

The reddish hue that gives the eclipse its “Blood Moon” nickname results from an optical process in Earth’s atmosphere. When the Moon enters the umbra, the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, sunlight is filtered through the planet’s atmosphere. Blue and purple hues are scattered, while red and orange tones reach the lunar surface, creating the characteristic effect. This phenomenon, known as Rayleigh scattering, is the same that colors sunsets.

The color’s intensity can vary depending on factors like atmospheric dust or particles. For instance, recent volcanic eruptions may deepen the red hue, while a clearer sky results in a less dramatic color. For the September eclipse, astronomers predict a vibrant hue, especially in regions with low atmospheric pollution.

How to observe the eclipse safely

Unlike solar eclipses, which require eye protection, a total lunar eclipse is safe to observe with the naked eye. There are no risks to vision, and the phenomenon can be enjoyed without special equipment, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience by revealing lunar surface details. Astronomers recommend choosing locations away from artificial lights, such as rural areas or beaches, to maximize visibility.

• Location choice: Opt for areas with low light pollution, like fields or mountains.
• Clear horizon: Position yourself with an unobstructed view to the west, where the Moon will be visible.
• Optional equipment: Binoculars or telescopes for lunar crater details.
• Weather forecast: Check weather apps to ensure clear skies.

For those unable to observe directly, live streams will be available on platforms like the National Observatory’s YouTube channel, which plans to broadcast the event starting at 10 PM (Brasília time). These streams are ideal for regions with unfavorable weather or for those seeking detailed explanations from astronomers.

Differences between types of lunar eclipses

Lunar eclipses are divided into three categories, each with distinct characteristics. The total eclipse, like September’s, occurs when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s umbra. A partial eclipse involves only a portion of the Moon in the shadow, while a penumbral eclipse, less noticeable, happens when the Moon passes through the penumbra, resulting in slight dimming.

The September event is special for its duration and global reach. While penumbral eclipses are subtle and often go unnoticed, the total eclipse offers a striking spectacle, especially due to its reddish hue. These events vary in frequency, but total lunar eclipses occur, on average, once or twice a year, with visibility depending on geographic location.

• Total eclipse: Moon fully in the umbra, with a reddish hue.
• Partial eclipse: Part of the Moon in the umbra, with partial darkening.
• Penumbral eclipse: Moon in the penumbra, with slight brightness reduction.

Cultural and scientific significance

Lunar eclipses have fascinated cultures throughout history, often tied to myths and omens. In modern astronomy, these events are valuable for studying lunar orbits and celestial dynamics. The September eclipse, for instance, will allow scientists to collect data on Earth’s atmosphere, as filtered light reveals information about its composition. Additionally, the phenomenon is an opportunity to engage the public in science, with events hosted at planetariums and observatories worldwide.

In Brazil, institutions like the National Observatory and the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium plan educational activities, including lectures and guided observations. In cities like São Paulo and Recife, amateur astronomy associations are organizing group viewing events, reinforcing the event’s communal appeal. The “Blood Moon” is not only a visual spectacle but also a moment of connection between science and society.

Tips for photographing the eclipse

Capturing the “Blood Moon” with cameras or smartphones is a challenge that attracts many enthusiasts. For best results, use a tripod to stabilize the image and adjust exposure settings to capture the Moon’s faint light during totality. Astronomy photography apps, like NightCap or ProCamera, can simplify the process.

• Equipment: Use cameras with manual mode or smartphones with specialized apps.
• Stability: A tripod is essential to avoid blurry images.
• Settings: Adjust exposure for long duration and high ISO.
• Location: Choose dark areas to minimize light interference.

Experienced photographers suggest experimenting with different exposure times to capture the color variations during the total phase. Additionally, photographing the event in locations with natural landscapes, like mountains or coastlines, can yield memorable images.

Upcoming eclipses and what to expect

While the September eclipse is the last total lunar eclipse of 2025, other astronomical events are scheduled for the year. A partial solar eclipse will occur on September 21, visible in Arctic regions but not in Brazil. In 2026, two lunar and two solar eclipses are on the calendar, with a notable total lunar eclipse in August, also visible in parts of Brazil.

Tracking these phenomena fosters human curiosity about the cosmos and provides opportunities to learn more about the Solar System’s workings. The September eclipse, with its wide visibility and visual impact, promises to be a highlight of the astronomical year, uniting observers across continents in a moment of shared awe.