On the night of September 7–8, 2025, India will witness one of the year’s most spectacular astronomical events – a total lunar eclipse, also known as the Chandra Grahan. Popularly referred to as a Blood Moon, this celestial show occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that paints the Moon in glowing shades of red and orange.
This eclipse is particularly special as it will feature 82 minutes of totality, giving skywatchers plenty of time to observe and photograph the rare event. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, making it an accessible experience for everyone.
Why the Moon Turns Red
The Moon’s red tint during an eclipse is caused by Rayleigh scattering – the same phenomenon that creates vibrant sunrises and sunsets. When sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter while longer red wavelengths bend and illuminate the lunar surface.
Eclipse Timings in India
The lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire country, with the following schedule:
• Eclipse begins: 9:58 PM IST, September 7
• Totality starts: 11:00 PM IST
• Maximum eclipse: Around 11:42 PM IST
• Totality ends: 12:22 AM IST, September 8
• Eclipse ends: 1:26 AM IST
The total event will span 3 hours and 28 minutes, with the most dramatic Blood Moon phase lasting 82 minutes.
Where You Can Watch the Chandra Grahan
The eclipse will be visible across all regions of India. Ideal viewing cities include:
• North India: Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh
• West India: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune
• South India: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi
• East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
• Central India: Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur
Choose a location with an open skyline and minimal light pollution – rooftops, terraces, parks, or scenic hilltops are great options.
How to Capture Chandra Grahan Photos Using a Smartphone
Photographing a lunar eclipse doesn’t require professional gear. With the right smartphone techniques, you can capture the Blood Moon beautifully. Here are some pro tips:
1. Use HDR mode: Turn on HDR for richer details in shadows and highlights.
2. Stabilise your phone: Mount it on a tripod or place it on a stable surface to avoid shaky shots.
3. Turn off flash: Flash will overexpose the frame and ruin your eclipse photos.
4. Clean your lens: Ensure the lens is smudge-free for sharper images.
5. Use Pro/Manual mode: Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and focus manually for clearer results.
6. Lock focus on the Moon: Tap and hold on the Moon to lock focus before shooting.
7. Try burst mode: Capture multiple shots quickly to increase your chances of getting the perfect frame.
8. Go for time-lapse: Use a tripod to record the gradual colour change and transition during totality.
9. Avoid digital zoom: Instead, crop and edit later or use external zoom accessories.
10. Post-edit smartly: Apps like Lightroom or Snapseed can enhance contrast, sharpness, and colours.
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