Everything you need to know about the rare Blood Moon lunar eclipse visible across India and other parts of the world
A breathtaking Total Lunar Eclipse, popularly known as a Blood Moon or Chandra Grahan, is set to grace the night sky on September 7–8, 2025. The celestial event will be fully visible across India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai.
This eclipse is among the most visible and longest lunar eclipses of the decade, with the Moon entering totality for over 82 minutes, turning a dramatic red-orange hue.
What Is a Blood Moon and Why Does It Turn Red?
A Blood Moon occurs during a Total Lunar Eclipse, when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow over the lunar surface.
Why the Red Color?
- Sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse.
- Shorter blue wavelengths scatter away (Rayleigh Scattering).
- Longer red wavelengths bend toward the Moon, making it glow red or orange
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
The September 2025 Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in many parts of the world, especially:
Fully Visible In:
- Most of Asia, including all of India
- Western Australia
- Parts of Eastern Europe and Africa
Not Visible In:
- Most of North America and South America
Eclipse Visibility in Indian Cities
You can view the eclipse from almost anywhere in India with clear skies. Here are major cities where the event will be visible:
🔹 North India:
Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur
🔹 West India:
Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad
🔹 South India:
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi
🔹 East India:
Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
🔹 Central India:
Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur
Best viewing conditions: Look from rooftops, terraces, open fields, or parks — away from city lights for best visibility.
Timings of the Total Lunar Eclipse in India (IST)
| Eclipse Phase | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| 🌘 Eclipse begins | 8:58 PM (September 7) |
| 🌕 Totality starts | 11:00 PM |
| 🌕 Totality ends | 12:22 AM (September 8) |
| 🌒 Eclipse ends | 2:25 AM (September 8) |
Duration of Totality: 82 minutes
Date: Night of September 7, early hours of September 8, 2025
How to Watch the Blood Moon in India
Safe for the Eyes
- Unlike solar eclipses, no special glasses or protection needed.
- Completely safe to view with the naked eye.
Tips for a Great Viewing Experience:
- Use binoculars or a telescope for a close-up of lunar craters and color.
- Install astronomy apps like Stellarium, SkySafari, or SkyView to track the Moon’s position.
- For photography:
- Use a tripod-mounted DSLR or smartphone
- Exposure: 1–2 seconds
- ISO: 400–800
- Manual focus for clarity
- Try a time-lapse of the eclipse progression
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Eclipse
- One of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade
- Fully visible across India and much of Asia
- 82 minutes of Blood Moon phase
- No protective gear required
- Perfect opportunity for photography, skywatching, and educational experiences
Don’t forget to share your eclipse photos on social media with hashtags like #BloodMoon2025 or #ChandraGrahan2025
