Total Lunar Eclipse September 7, 2025: Your Complete Blood Moon Guide
Mark your calendars for September 7, 2025! Witness the spectacular total lunar eclipse that will captivate observers across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about viewing and photographing this 83-minute blood moon spectacular.
What Makes This Eclipse Special?
The September 7, 2025 total lunar eclipse is extraordinary for several reasons. With an umbral magnitude of 1.3638, this will be one of the most spectacular lunar eclipses in recent years, featuring an exceptionally long totality phase lasting 83 minutes.
During totality, the Moon will take on the characteristic deep red-orange color that gives lunar eclipses their "blood moon" nickname. This dramatic coloring occurs when Earth's atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight, allowing only the longer red wavelengths to reach the lunar surface.
This eclipse coincides with the full Corn Moon, the traditional name for September's full moon, named after the time when corn was traditionally harvested.
Eclipse Timeline (UTC)
The lunar eclipse unfolds in several distinct phases, each offering different viewing experiences:
Key Times (September 7, 2025 - UTC)
- 15:28 UTC - Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle shadow starts)
- 16:26 UTC - Partial eclipse begins (Earth's shadow becomes visible)
- 17:30 UTC - Totality begins (Blood Moon phase starts)
- 18:11 UTC - Maximum eclipse (deepest red coloration)
- 18:53 UTC - Totality ends (Blood Moon phase ends)
- 19:57 UTC - Partial eclipse ends
- 20:55 UTC - Penumbral eclipse ends
Total Duration: The entire eclipse event spans 5 hours and 27 minutes, with totality lasting an impressive 1 hour and 23 minutes (83 minutes).
Global Visibility: Who Can See It?
This lunar eclipse offers exceptional global visibility, with approximately 77% of the world's population—about 6.2 billion people—able to witness all or part of the event.
Best Viewing Regions
- • Asia (entire eclipse visible)
- • Western Australia (complete totality)
- • Eastern Africa (full eclipse)
- • Europe (partial to total phases)
- • Central Russia (excellent viewing)
- • India and China (full totality)
Limited or No Visibility
- • North America (not visible)
- • South America (not visible)
- • Western Alaska (partial only)
- • Eastern Australia (moonset during eclipse)
- • Western Europe (partial phases only)
The optimal viewing experience will be in regions where the eclipse occurs during local nighttime hours with the Moon high in the sky.
Photography Tips for the Blood Moon
Capturing a total lunar eclipse presents unique photographic challenges and opportunities. Here's how to get stunning results:
Essential Equipment:
- Telephoto lens: 200mm minimum, 400mm+ preferred for close-ups
- Sturdy tripod: Essential for sharp images during long exposures
- Remote shutter: Reduces camera shake during exposures
- Extra batteries: Cold weather and long exposures drain power quickly
Camera Settings
- Pre-eclipse: ISO 100, f/8, 1/250s
- Partial phases: ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/60s
- Totality: ISO 1600-3200, f/4, 2-8s
- Format: Shoot RAW for maximum flexibility
Composition Ideas
- • Multiple exposures showing eclipse progression
- • Moon with foreground landmarks
- • Wide-field shots including stars
- • Close-up details of lunar surface features
Viewing Preparation
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. No special filters or protective equipment are needed.
What to Bring:
- ✓ Comfortable chair or blanket for extended viewing
- ✓ Warm clothing (September nights can be cool)
- ✓ Red flashlight to preserve night vision
- ✓ Binoculars for enhanced moon surface details
- ✓ Star chart or astronomy app
- ✓ Thermos with hot beverages
- ✓ Camera gear if photographing
Eclipse Series Context
The September 7, 2025 lunar eclipse is part of an active period for lunar eclipses, being the second eclipse in an almost-tetrad series:
- March 14, 2025: Total lunar eclipse (first in series)
- September 7, 2025: Total lunar eclipse (this event)
- March 3, 2026: Total lunar eclipse (third in series)
- August 28, 2026: Partial lunar eclipse (series finale)
This makes 2025 and 2026 exceptional years for lunar eclipse enthusiasts, with multiple opportunities to witness these celestial spectacles.
For Those Outside the Viewing Zone
If you're located in North or South America where the eclipse won't be visible, don't despair! Several organizations will provide high-quality live streams of the event:
- Virtual Telescope Project (Italy) - Free livestream
- TimeandDate.com - Global coverage with expert commentary
- NASA's eclipse coverage - Educational content and multiple viewpoints
- Various astronomy clubs and observatories in viewing regions
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