Total Lunar Eclipse on September 7, 2025
On the night of September 7-8, 2025, the inhabitants of Earth will witness one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena — a total lunar eclipse, also known as the "Blood Moon". According to astronomers' calculations, 88% of the planet's population will have the opportunity to see at least part of the total phase, making it a truly global phenomenon.
Mechanism and Uniqueness of the Phenomenon
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned exactly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on its natural satellite. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is visible from the entire night side of the Earth. The uniqueness of the September 2025 eclipse lies in its depth, or magnitude, which will be 1.362. This means the Moon will plunge deep enough into the dark central part of the Earth's shadow (the umbra) to acquire an intense copper-red hue.
This "blood" moon effect is caused by Rayleigh scattering of sunlight in the Earth's atmosphere. The short-wavelength blue rays are scattered, while the long-wavelength red rays are refracted by the atmosphere and illuminate the Moon's surface, creating the characteristic crimson glow. The duration of this total phase will be 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Geography of Visibility and Timing
The best conditions for observing its entire duration will be in most of Russia (except the Far East), Australia, Central Asia, Japan, and Eastern Africa. Residents of Europe will see the moonrise already immersed in shadow, creating a spectacular view of a red disk appearing over the horizon. Observers in North and South America will miss this phenomenon.
As a global event, the eclipse occurs at the same moment worldwide, with only the local time differing.
In Moscow time (MSK, UTC+3), the timing of the phases will be as follows:
• Penumbral phase begins: 18:28 (September 7)
• Partial phase begins: 19:27
• Total phase begins ("Blood Moon"): 20:30
• Maximum eclipse: 21:11
• Total phase ends: 21:52
• Partial phase ends: 22:56
• Penumbral phase ends: 23:55
For other Russian cities, the time of the total phase will shift according to their time zones. For example, in Yekaterinburg (UTC+5), it will last from 22:30 to 23:52, and in Vladivostok (UTC+10) — from 03:30 to 04:52 (on September 8).
Accompanying Astronomical Event
A bright detail in the evening sky will be the close proximity of the "blood" Moon to Saturn. The yellowish "star" next to the crimson satellite is the ringed giant planet, which on September 8 at 20:10 MSK will be about 3.5° from the Moon.
Recommendations for Observation
Observing a lunar eclipse does not require special equipment or eye protection, unlike a solar eclipse. The phenomenon will be clearly visible to the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope will allow for a more detailed view of the color change and contrast on the lunar surface.
For precise observation planning, it is recommended to use astronomical applications. They provide interactive visibility maps, precise timing of phases for a specific location, send reminders, and help identify objects in the sky.
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