The September 2025 Blood Moon will glow a deep red for 82 minutes, visible to most of the world in a rare celestial display (Photo: Freepik)
On the night of September 7-8, 2025, the last total lunar eclipse of the year will transfigure the Moon into a glowing, crimson orb. The event will last for more than five hours in total and with an astounding 82 minutes of complete eclipse, during which time the Moon will acquire its iconic blood red hue. It is estimated that this celestial phenomenon will be accessible to nearly 77 per cent of the global population the most witnessed astronomical event for the year.
The eerie red glow of a Blood Moon is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon that turns sunsets into scorching reds. As the Earth moves perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, sunlight is refracted in the atmosphere overhead.
While shorter blue wavelengths are scattered out, longer red and orange tend to bend toward the moon's surface and give it that haunting glow. The shade of red varies in intensity due to atmospheric conditions such as dust, clouds or volcanic ash, making the moon sometimes brighter or darker, according to NASA.
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The last total lunar eclipse of 2025 can be seen by 77% of the global population. All of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia will see the Blood Moon. Unfortunately, this part of the world will not be blessed. Its position means that those people in the United States and most of the Americas will miss out on seeing it since the event takes place during daylight hours.
The beginning of the eclipse is pegged at 11:28 a.m. EDT. By this time, the moon has already set in the western hemisphere. So, most of North and South America will thus miss the eclipse live and that's sad news for disappointed stargazers from both regions.
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A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon perfectly line up. Earth casts its umbral shadow directly onto the Moon. Unlike the solar and these are the types of eclipses where it is quite safe to view them with the naked eye. No other instruments are required to watch them. This does not mean that the Blood Moon in September would not show how celestial mechanics are highly precise. Also, it would remind viewers about the dazzling interplay of light, shadow and atmosphere to produce stunning celestial art.
Blood Moon is once again this September, will draw the gaze of wonder and curiosity from all over the Earth. It's one of those reminders that will remain across the ages, reminding all of the beauty of the mysteries in the universe.
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