Over 7 billion people across Africa, Australia, Asia, and Eastern Europe will be able to witness the lunar eclipse (Blood moon) between September 7-8, 2025. It could be one of the most stunning lunar events seen in years.
Scientists state that the eclipse will be observable across most of Africa, with some regions able to view the entire event.
Some of the countries to experience the eclipse including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad. In Nigeria, it would last for about 83 minutes, starting at about 8.00pm.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the moon and sun, temporarily bathing the entire lunar disk in its shadow. This in turn causes our natural satellite to glow a deep red, as the scattered light from every sunrise and sunset on Earth is bent onto the lunar disk.
Several distinct phases will be on display during the September 7-8 total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in its entirety across swathes of Asia, western Australia and eastern Europe, while other countries like Spain and Norway will witness only a partial eclipse.
What makes this eclipse special isn’t any myths or mysteries, but just its natural beauty. With a long total phase and great visibility across the world.
A striking red Moon – The ‘Blood Moon’ effect
During the eclipse, the Earth will pass directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its darkest shadow (the umbra) over the Moon. Rather than disappearing into darkness, the Moon will take on a deep red hue, earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.” This glowing red effect isn’t mystical—it’s pure atmospheric science. As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere.
The science behind the red glow – Rayleigh Scattering
So why exactly does the Moon turn red? According to a report by the Times of India, the phenomenon is caused by Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight travels through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter in all directions. However, longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, pass through more directly. This filtered light is what illuminates the Moon during the total eclipse, making it appear red, orange, or even copper-coloured.
An exceptionally long total phase
One major feature that sets this eclipse apart is its duration. According to India Today, the total eclipse will last around 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years. That’s over an hour of the Moon glowing in rich red shades—plenty of time to take in the full beauty of the event.
A sky show visible to billions
Another factor making this eclipse extraordinary is how many people can witness it. As reported by NASA, the event will be visible across Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe, offering a rare opportunity for a large portion of the world’s population to catch at least part of the eclipse. This widespread visibility makes it a truly global visual event.
No mysticism- Just beautiful physics
Despite the dramatic look of the Blood Moon, there’s nothing mystical or supernatural about it. The effect is purely due to Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight, the same way it creates red and orange hues at sunset. As Time and Date points out, what makes this event special is not hidden meanings, but the sheer natural beauty of the eclipse and its rare visibility conditions.
This Blood Moon eclipse on September 7–8 will be a beautiful sight for people around the world. With its red color and long total phase, it’s a great chance to enjoy a special moment in the night sky. Just check the time for your area, step outside, and take a look!
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who enjoys looking up at the night sky, this eclipse is worth setting aside time for. Events like these remind us of the beauty of nature’s cycles—no myths, no mysteries, just science creating a spectacle. On September 7–8, all you need to do is step outside, look up, and witness one of the most breathtaking sky shows of the year.
