A spectacular total lunar eclipse, turning the moon a deep red, enthralled observers across the globe on September 7, 2025, with timelapse footage capturing the event’s beauty.
The eclipse began with the penumbral phase and culminated in totality, where the moon was completely engulfed by Earth’s shadow for over an hour. This phenomenon, often called a Blood Moon, occurs when sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red light to illuminate the lunar surface.
Sky-watchers in Asia, including China, India, and the Middle East, had the best views, with the entire event visible from start to finish. In Europe, parts of the eclipse were observable, though cloud cover affected visibility in some areas like the UK.
The Royal Astronomical Society explained that the red hue is due to Rayleigh scattering, the same effect that causes red sunsets. This scientific explanation adds to the wonder of the event, connecting it to everyday atmospheric phenomena.
Communities worldwide gathered to witness the spectacle, with events organized by astronomy groups. For instance, in London, despite cloudy conditions, enthusiasts hoped to catch a glimpse, highlighting the public’s interest in celestial events.
The eclipse lasted for several hours, with totality spanning from 18:30 to 19:52 BST. Photographers captured stunning images from various locations, such as Beijing, Cairo, and Johannesburg, showcasing the moon’s transformation.
This event follows a previous lunar eclipse in March 2025 and precedes a partial solar eclipse later in September. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses, making them accessible to all.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from the UK will be in August 2026, reminding us of the periodic nature of these astronomical events and encouraging continued public engagement with science.