This weekend, people all around the world who like to look at the sky will get to see a beautiful “blood Moon” total lunar eclipse. On the night of September 7–8, 2025, the full “Corn Moon” will pass through Earth’s shadow. This will make the Moon look like a deep red color for 82 minutes. This is the second and last lunar eclipse of the year. It will also be the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022.
About 5.8 billion people, or 70–85% of the world’s population, will be on the night side of Earth and will be able to watch at least part of the eclipse.
When and Where to Watch
Space.com says that the eclipse will be seen from wherever on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon on the night of September 7–8. People in Asia, Australia, Africa, and some areas of Europe will be able to see the whole thing. People in big cities like Sydney, Tokyo, New Delhi, and Mumbai would be able to see the whole eclipse.
Sadly, most of North and South America will miss the spectacle because it will happen during the day there. People in Western Europe, including those in towns like Bucharest, may be able to view the Moon rise when it is still partly hidden by Earth’s shadow. The eclipse will last about 5.5 hours in total, encompassing all of its partial stages. The full totality will last 82 minutes.
The Moon Turns Red for a Reason
The Moon goes into the umbra, which is the deepest area of Earth’s shadow, during a complete lunar eclipse. At this point, the Earth’s atmosphere works like a lens, letting red and orange light through but scattering blue and violet light with shorter wavelengths. This red light that has been bent then lights up the Moon’s surface, giving it a rich, coppery-red glow. This is why it is often called a “blood Moon.”
One of the best things about a lunar eclipse is that you don’t need any additional equipment to see it safely with your own eyes. People who have binoculars or a telescope in their garden will be able to see the Moon’s surface details better, though. The partial phases, which start approximately an hour before and after totality, provide you a rare chance to witness the shadow of Earth slowly move across the surface of the moon.