Total Lunar Eclipse – 7th–8th September 2025 | A Celestial Show for India & the World

On the night of 7th–8th September 2025, sky watchers across India and much of the world will witness a breathtaking Total Lunar Eclipse – a cosmic event where the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.

This is not just any eclipse – it will be the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until 31st December 2028 for the next one!

Eclipse Stages:

What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves entirely into Earth’s umbra (the darker central shadow), causing it to glow in shades of red, copper, or orange.

The Stages of the Eclipse

The lunar eclipse happens in phases, each offering a unique view:

1. Penumbral Eclipse – The Moon enters Earth’s lighter shadow. This stage is subtle and hard to notice with the naked eye.

   
   

2. Partial Eclipse – A darker bite appears as the Moon enters the umbra, clearly visible without aid.

   
   

3. Total Eclipse – The entire Moon is inside Earth’s shadow, glowing red or copper due to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red? (The Copper Moon)

During the total phase, the Moon appears reddish-orange—often called a “Blood Moon” or “Copper Moon.”

This happens because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere gets scattered. The bluer wavelengths scatter away, while the redder light bends and falls onto the Moon. The exact shade depends on dust, water droplets, and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere at the time.

So, on the night of September 7th, the Moon may glow red, orange, or deep copper.

Facts About the September 2025 Lunar Eclipse

• Lunar eclipses only happen during a full moon.

  
  

• They do not occur every full moon because the Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

  
  

• Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view.

  
  

• The next total lunar eclipse visible from India will be on 31st December 2028.

  
  

• Ancient astronomer Aryabhata described eclipses as simply a play of shadows, proving they cause no harm to us.

How to Watch the Eclipse?

• Find an open area with a clear view of the sky.

  
  

• No protective glasses are needed – lunar eclipses are safe to view with naked eyes.

  
  

• For a closer look, use a telescope.

  
  

• Bring friends and family—it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the night sky.

This is a once-in-years opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular cosmic events. The September 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse is not just an astronomical occurrence—it’s a reminder of the grandeur of our universe.

Step outside, look up, and experience the magic of the Copper Moon!