A total lunar eclipse, the year’s second and final of its kind, will light up the evening sky on September 7, offering a striking red “blood moon” for viewers across large parts of the world.
During a total lunar eclipse, Earth sits directly between the full Moon and the Sun, casting a shadow that makes the Moon appear dimly lit and reddish rather than completely dark. The red hue comes from Rayleigh scattering: sunlight is made up of many colors, and as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter away from the shadow while longer red wavelengths bend into the shadow and illuminate the Moon.
This eclipse’s total phase will be visible across Asia, central and eastern Africa, and Australia. Observers in the Americas won’t see the total portion of the eclipse this time, though partial phases may still be visible in some regions depending on local conditions. The previous eclipse in March was best viewed from the United States, but September’s event will not be visible in its total form to people in the Americas.
Timing of the eclipse:
– Totality begins at 17:30 UTC on September 7
– Moment of maximum eclipse around 18:11 UTC
– Totality ends about 18:51 UTC
Before and after totality, the Moon will pass through Earth’s partial shadow, gradually becoming more or less shadowed. Local viewing times vary, so check local astronomy resources for the exact timings in your city.
For those who can’t view it in person, a live broadcast will be provided by the Virtual Telescope Project, with a live stream on YouTube.
The eclipse will occur just under three days before the Moon reaches perigee, the point in its orbit when it is closest to Earth, which means the Moon may appear slightly larger than average during the event.
Looking ahead, the next total lunar eclipse won’t occur until early March 2026, and it will be visible from North America, Australia, and East Asia.
Additionally, practical viewing tips can help maximize the experience: find a dark-sky location away from city lights, give your eyes 10–15 minutes to adjust, and consider binoculars or a small telescope to enjoy the color and the shadow’s progression.
In short, September 7 offers skywatchers a dramatic blood Moon and a reminder of the dynamic dance between Earth, the Sun, and the Moon—with live options available for those who can’t watch from their local skies. A hopeful note for stargazers: each eclipse is a unique spectacle, inviting curiosity and wonder about our place in the solar system.