Lunar Phenomenon: Blood-Red Full Moon Graces the Skies

Cosmic Event: Reddening of the Full Moon, Transforming it into a Blood Moon - Cosmic Event: Transformation of the Full Moon into a Blood Moon

On the night of September 7, 2025, skygazers across Europe will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial event - a total lunar eclipse. Here's what you need to know about this awe-inspiring spectacle.

The lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns exactly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its full shadow onto the lunar surface. This alignment is made possible due to the slight tilt of the Moon's orbit relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This tilt causes the Moon to miss Earth's shadow most of the time during full moons, but not this time.

The eclipse begins when the Moon enters Earth's penumbra around 5:27 PM. The penumbra is the outer part of Earth's shadow, where only a part of the Sun's light is blocked. The total phase, or Blood Moon, starts around 7:30 PM and ends about 83 minutes later, around 9:13 PM. During this phase, the sunlight refracted by Earth's atmosphere allows only its longer, red wavelengths to reach the Moon, giving it a noticeably darker and glowing deep red appearance, a phenomenon known as a "Blood Moon".

In eastern regions such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, the Moon will be higher in the sky during the total phase. For instance, in Berlin, the Moon will be visible at its highest point in the sky during the total phase at 8:05 PM. Similarly, in Munich and Hamburg, the Moon will be visible at approximately the same height in the sky during the total phase, around 8:08 PM and 8:20 PM respectively.

On the western end, Cologne residents will be able to catch a glimpse of the Blood Moon at its lowest point in the sky during the total phase. The Moonrise times in Berlin are at 7:37 PM, Munich at 7:40 PM, Hamburg at 7:52 PM, and Cologne at 8:01 PM. The Moon will leave the umbra completely around 9:57 PM after the eclipse.

It's important to note that not every full moon results in a total lunar eclipse. This particular eclipse is a rare treat, happening approximately every two to three years. The last total lunar eclipse in Germany before this event occurred on March 14, 2025.

The total lunar eclipse will be visible in wide parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it a truly global event. So, if you're in these regions, make sure to step outside and witness this celestial wonder. Don't let the clear skies and view to the east go to waste!