A rare celestial treat is on the way next month. The second and final lunar eclipse of 2025 will turn the full moon red. Skywatchers across continents are getting ready for the show.
When and where to watch the lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will occur on 7 September. It begins at 9:58 pm and ends by 1:26 am on 8 September. Totality, the eclipse's main phase, will last for 82 minutes. According to Time and Date, around 77% of the world will see it. That means nearly 6.2 billion people will have a full view.
India will get a clear sight of the event. It will be visible from 11 pm to 12:22 am across most of the country. Other regions with full visibility include China, Japan, Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. People in Kenya, Iran and surrounding areas can also expect a full view.
Some regions will catch only part of the eclipse. These include parts of Europe, Africa, eastern Australia and New Zealand.
What causes a Blood Moon and totality?
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth blocks sunlight. The moon passes through Earth’s darkest shadow, called the umbra. During this time, the moon takes on a deep reddish glow. This colour effect is why it’s called a Blood Moon.
Totality refers to the time the moon is fully within the umbra. The eclipse's total phase will last for just over 80 minutes. The timing may slightly vary depending on location.
This eclipse happens just days before perigee. That’s when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit. This makes it appear larger and brighter, a phenomenon called a Supermoon.
When is the next lunar eclipse?
This eclipse on 7 September will be the last one in 2025. The next total lunar eclipse is expected on 2-3 March 2026. That event will be visible from large parts of Asia, Australia and the Americas. Some regions in Europe, Africa and Antarctica will also witness it.
Astronomy fans may want to mark their calendars. The night sky rarely offers such vivid and widespread displays.
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