How to See Sunday’s Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse
Get ready, stargazers! This Sunday, September 7-8, 2025, the night sky is putting on a jaw-dropping show—a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon. That’s when the Moon turns a cool, reddish hue because Earth’s shadow blocks the Sun’s light. It’s like the universe is painting the Moon for a few hours, and it’s totally free to watch!
Whether you’re new to skywatching or you’ve got a telescope ready, this guide will walk you through how to catch this amazing event. We’ll cover when it happens, where to look, and some tips to make it unforgettable. Thanks to folks like NASA, TimeandDate.com, and the Virtual Telescope Project for tracking these events, we’ve got all the info you need to enjoy the Blood Moon in a simple, fun way.
What’s a Blood Moon All About?
So, what’s the deal with a Blood Moon? A lunar eclipse happens when Earth gets right between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that covers the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon slips fully into Earth’s dark shadow, called the umbra. Instead of going pitch black, the Moon glows red or orange. Why? The Sun’s light bends through Earth’s atmosphere, and the blue light scatters away, leaving just the red light to hit the Moon. It’s the same reason sunsets look red and fiery. That’s why people call it a Blood Moon—it’s not creepy, just nature doing something super cool.
This Sunday’s eclipse is a big one. It’s the second and final lunar eclipse of 2025, lasting over five hours, with the red Moon shining for about 82 minutes. It’s one of the longest total eclipses in recent years, so it’s a great chance to see something special. Everyone’s talking about it online, sharing ideas and getting ready to watch it together.
When and Where to Catch It
Timing is everything for an eclipse, and where you are matters too. The Blood Moon will unfold from September 7 to 8, 2025, starting at 11:28 a.m. ET (15:28 UTC) and ending around 4:55 p.m. ET (20:55 UTC). The best part, known as totality when the Moon turns fully red, lasts from 1:30 p.m. ET to 2:52 p.m. ET (17:30 to 18:52 UTC). Here’s a quick look at the schedule:
- Penumbral phase (Moon starts dimming a bit): 11:28 a.m. ET (15:28 UTC)
- Partial eclipse (Shadow starts covering the Moon): 12:27 p.m. ET (16:27 UTC)
- Totality (Moon turns red): 1:30 p.m. ET to 2:52 p.m. ET (17:30 to 18:52 UTC)
- Partial eclipse ends: 3:54 p.m. ET (19:54 UTC)
- Penumbral phase ends: 4:55 p.m. ET (20:55 UTC)
If you’re in Asia or Western Australia, you’re in for the full show—every stage will be visible. Folks in Africa, Europe, eastern Australia, and New Zealand can see parts of it, especially during moonrise or moonset. For example, in the UK, the Moon rises around 7:30 p.m. BST, so you’ll catch totality and the later phases. In Cape Town, South Africa, totality is from 7:30 p.m. to 8:52 p.m. local time, and in Sydney, Australia, it’s early evening. Sadly, if you’re in the Americas, the Moon will be below the horizon, so you won’t see it live. But don’t worry, there are awesome livestreams to keep you in the loop.
Check your local moonrise time on TimeandDate.com to plan your viewing. Social media posts on X are already sharing exact times for cities like London and Tokyo, so you can search there for updates too.
How to Watch the Blood Moon
The great thing about a lunar eclipse? You don’t need fancy equipment. It’s 100% safe to look at with your eyes, unlike a solar eclipse where you need special glasses. Here’s how to make sure you get the best view:
- Pick a Spot: Find a place with a clear view of the sky, especially toward the east where the Moon rises. A park, hilltop, or your backyard is perfect. Try to avoid city lights or tall buildings that block the Moon.
- Check the Weather: Clouds can ruin the view, so peek at your local forecast. In places like the UK, eastern areas might have better chances for clear skies. Keep an eye on updates as Sunday gets closer.
- Bring Gear (If You Want): Your eyes are enough, but binoculars or a small telescope will show the Moon’s craters and red glow up close. For photos, a phone camera can work, but a DSLR with a 200mm lens or more will give you sharp shots. Use a tripod to keep it steady.
- Time It Right: Be ready before moonrise in your area. In the UK, that’s around 7:30 p.m. BST for totality. In Asia, you’ll see the whole thing in the evening. Set a reminder so you don’t miss the red Moon.
- Make It a Party: Grab some friends, a blanket, and snacks. Maybe play some chill music or share fun facts about the Moon. Some cultures thought a Blood Moon was a dragon eating it—pretty wild, right?
If you’re in the Americas or clouds block your view, tune into a livestream. The Virtual Telescope Project in Italy is streaming on YouTube starting at 1:45 p.m. ET (17:45 UTC). Space.com will have a live blog with photos and updates from viewers worldwide, which is trending on X right now.
What You’ll See in the Sky
The eclipse starts with the penumbral phase, where the Moon dims slightly—it’s subtle, so you might not notice it. Then, the partial phase kicks in, and it looks like a dark chunk of the Moon is missing, like someone took a bite. When totality hits, the whole Moon glows red or coppery orange. The color can vary—sometimes it’s a bright red, other times a darker, rusty shade, depending on dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere. It’s like all the world’s sunsets are lighting up the Moon.
Totality lasts 82 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it. After that, the Moon slowly brightens as it leaves Earth’s shadow, going back to its usual silvery glow. The whole event takes 5 hours and 27 minutes, so even if you miss the start, you can catch the later stages.
Why This Eclipse Is a Must-See
A Blood Moon isn’t just a cool view—it’s a chance to see Earth, the Sun, and the Moon line up perfectly. It’s like a little reminder of how amazing our solar system is. Dr. Edward Bloomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich puts it perfectly: “You’re watching something real, not a movie effect.” This eclipse is extra special because it’s one of only two in 2025, and the next total lunar eclipse isn’t until March 2026, with different visibility.
For kids or anyone new to astronomy, it’s a fun way to get hooked on the sky. You don’t need to know big science words to enjoy it—just look up and feel the magic. NASA’s website has free resources, like eclipse maps and activities, to learn more. Plus, it’s trending online, with X posts showing people planning watch parties or sharing telescope tips.
Tips for an Awesome Experience
- Dress Warm: September nights can be chilly, especially in Europe or Africa. Bring a hoodie or blanket.
- Snap a Memory: Take a quick phone pic or jot down what you see. It’s fun to look back on.
- Check Times: Use NASA or TimeandDate.com for exact moonrise times in your city.
- Stay Safe: If you’re out at night, go with friends and pick a safe spot.
- Plan B: If it’s cloudy, watch the Virtual Telescope Project’s stream or follow Space.com’s updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to look at the Blood Moon?
A: Totally safe! You don’t need glasses—it’s just the Moon’s reflected light.
Q: Why does the Moon look red?
A: Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue light, leaving red light to hit the Moon, like a sunset.
Q: Can I see it in North America?
A: Nope, the Moon’s below the horizon there. Check out a livestream instead.
Q: Do I need a telescope?
A: Not really—your eyes work fine. Binoculars or a telescope just make it cooler.
Q: How long is the eclipse?
A: About 5 hours and 27 minutes total, with the red part lasting 82 minutes.
Q: When’s the next one?
A: The next total lunar eclipse is March 2-3, 2026, visible in North America and elsewhere.
Q: Why’s it called a Blood Moon?
A: It’s a nickname for the red color. Some ancient stories thought it looked spooky, but it’s just science.
Conclusion
This Sunday’s Blood Moon is your ticket to an incredible sky show. Whether you’re in Asia, Australia, Africa, or Europe, find a clear spot, check your local moonrise, and watch the Moon turn red. If clouds or location get in the way, hop online for livestreams from the Virtual Telescope Project or Space.com. NASA and TimeandDate.com have all the times and maps you need. Grab some friends, bundle up, and enjoy this rare event. The universe is waiting. Don’t miss it!