September 7–8, 2025, is a date astronomy lovers and casual stargazers alike will remember. On this night, the skies will put on a breathtaking show as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon or Chandra Grahan, will light up the heavens.
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, giving it a striking deep red or coppery glow. Rayleigh scattering — the same phenomenon that makes sunsets look red — creates this mesmerizing hue as sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.
This eclipse is extra special because it will be visible to nearly 85% of the world’s population, including all of India, much of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. For skywatchers in India, the eclipse begins at 8:58 PM on September 7, with the totality phase — when the Moon turns fully red — lasting a stunning 82 minutes from 11:00 PM to 12:22 AM. The entire event wraps up by 2:25 AM on September 8, making this one of the longest and most widely visible lunar eclipses of the decade.
From Delhi to Chennai, Kolkata to Mumbai, astronomy enthusiasts are preparing telescopes and cameras to capture this rare event. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics will even livestream the eclipse for those facing cloudy skies. The best part? Unlike a solar eclipse, no special equipment or protective gear is needed — you can safely watch with the naked eye.
Whether you’re a casual skywatcher or a photography enthusiast, this Blood Moon 2025 promises an unforgettable cosmic display. Mark your calendar, grab your camera, and step outside — the universe has a spectacular show waiting for you.