A stunning total lunar eclipse, popularly known as Chandra Grahan 2025 or the Blood Moon, will be visible on the night of September 7 and continue into the early hours of September 8. This rare celestial show will paint the Moon in shades of red and orange as Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.
Why the term Blood Moon is used
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. Instead, sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red tones to reach the lunar surface. This gives the Moon its striking crimson or copper glow, often referred to as the Blood Moon effect.
Where it will be visible
The eclipse will be widely observed across Asia, with clear visibility in India. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, and Chandigarh are expected to witness the event if the skies remain clear. Parts of Western Australia will also see the eclipse in full, while regions of Europe, Africa, eastern Australia, and New Zealand will catch partial views. North and South America, however, will largely miss the spectacle.
In India, skywatchers from almost every region will be able to see the eclipse:
North India: Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Lucknow
West India: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune
South India: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi
East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
Central India: Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur
The Moon will be positioned high in the night sky, making it easier to observe. The best views can be enjoyed from open spaces such as rooftops, fields, or parks away from the interference of bright city lights.
Timings for India
Eclipse begins: 8:58 PM IST on September 7
Total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon phase): 11:00 PM IST to 12:22 AM IST
Eclipse ends: 2:25 AM IST on September 8
The total phase will last for 82 minutes, making it one of the longest and most spectacular lunar eclipses of this decade.
How to watch
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view without any protective gear. Observers can use the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes for a closer look at the lunar surface. Astronomy apps such as Stellarium and SkySafari can guide viewers to the exact location of the Moon.
For photography enthusiasts, using a tripod with a DSLR or smartphone set to long exposure (1–2 seconds), ISO between 400–800, and manual focus will help capture stunning shots of the Blood Moon. A time-lapse of the entire eclipse can create a memorable record of the celestial phenomenon.