Lunar Eclipse 2025: Why the moon will glow blood red for 82 minutes and how to watch it from your city

Skywatchers around the world are in for a treat on the night of 7–8 September 2025, when a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon or Chandra Grahan, will light up the skies.

This eclipse is expected to be one of the most memorable in recent years because of its long total phase and wide visibility.

Why does the Moon turn red?

Unlike a solar eclipse, where the Sun disappears from view, a lunar eclipse gives the Moon a glowing red colour. This happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.

But instead of going dark, the Moon looks red because of a process called Rayleigh scattering. The Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, filtering out blue light and letting only red and orange light reach the Moon. That’s why it glows like fire in the night sky.

This eclipse will last for about 82 minutes in totality, making it one of the longest in recent memory. Stargazers will have plenty of time to admire the view, take photos, or simply enjoy the sight.

Where will it be visible?

The Blood Moon will be seen clearly across Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe. Some parts of Alaska and Argentina may catch a partial view, though most of North America will miss out.

Here are the local timings in some major cities:

• London (BST): 7:30 p.m. – 7:52 p.m., Sept 7
• Paris (CEST): 7:30 p.m. – 8:52 p.m., Sept 7
• Cape Town (SAST): 7:30 p.m. – 8:52 p.m., Sept 7
• Istanbul/Cairo/Nairobi (EEST/EAT): 8:30 p.m. – 9:52 p.m., Sept 7
• Tehran (IRST): 9:00 p.m. – 10:22 p.m., Sept 7
• Mumbai (IST): 11:00 p.m., Sept 7 – 12:22 a.m., Sept 8
• Bangkok (ICT): 12:30 a.m. – 1:52 a.m., Sept 8
• Beijing/Hong Kong (CST/HKT): 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m., Sept 8
• Perth (AWST): 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m., Sept 8
• Tokyo (JST): 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m., Sept 8
• Sydney (AEST): 3:30 a.m. – 4:52 a.m., Sept 8

Tips for the best view

Despite its dramatic name, the Blood Moon is not a bad omen, it is simply a wonder of nature. Here are some tips for the best experience:

• Step outside at the correct time for your city.
• Choose a clear, dark area away from city lights.
• Use binoculars or a telescope for closer details.
• Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
• If clouds spoil the view, many websites and space agencies will stream the eclipse live.

The Blood Moon of 2025 promises to be a beautiful reminder of the wonders above us. Whether you are a keen photographer, an astronomy fan, or simply curious, this night sky event is worth watching.