Moon's total lunar eclipse occurring on September 7-8: what's the exact time?

Get ready for a celestial spectacle as a total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'blood moon', will light up the night skies on September 7, 2025. This captivating event will be visible to almost 77% of the world's population, with Asia, Western Australia, and Europe set to witness the mesmerising red hue.

As the moon moves deeper into Earth's umbra, a dark shadow will creep across the lunar surface, starting as early as the eclipse begins, with the moon entering Earth's penumbral shadow. During totality, which will last approximately 82 minutes, the moon is expected to turn a rich, dark red or reddish-orange hue.

The eclipse will be particularly striking for skywatchers in Africa, with cities such as Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Cairo (Egypt) offering favourable locations for viewing the blood moon during its maximum phase. These cities, along with those in regions with a clear view of the eastern horizon during the eclipse timing (approximately 17:30 to 18:52 GMT), will provide an unparalleled view of the eclipse's maximum coverage at 18:11 GMT.

For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, various websites will livestream the event, allowing viewers to enjoy the blood moon from the comfort of their own homes. Key totality viewing times for different time zones include London (7:30 p.m. - 7:52 p.m. on Sept. 7), Paris (7:30 p.m. - 8:52 p.m. on Sept. 7), Cape Town (7:30 p.m. - 8:52 p.m. on Sept. 7), Istanbul/Cairo/Nairobi (8:30 p.m. - 9:52 p.m. on Sept. 7), Tehran (9:00 p.m. - 10:22 p.m. on Sept. 7), Mumbai (11:00 p.m. on Sept. 7 - 12:22 a.m. on Sept. 8), Bangkok (12:30 a.m. - 1:52 a.m. on Sept. 8), Beijing (1:30 a.m. - 2:52 a.m. on Sept. 8), Hong Kong (1:30 a.m. - 2:52 a.m. on Sept. 8), Perth (1:30 a.m. - 2:52 a.m. on Sept. 8), Tokyo (2:30 a.m. - 3:52 a.m. on Sept. 8), and Sydney (3:30 a.m. - 4:52 a.m. on Sept. 8).

In Asia and Australia, the moon will be high in the sky during totality, making it ideal for viewing and photography. For those interested in astronomy, the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to capture the blood moon in all its glory.

The exact shade of the blood moon depends on Earth's atmospheric conditions at the time of the eclipse. Updates on the lunar eclipse can be found in a live blog, ensuring that viewers stay informed about any changes in the eclipse's appearance.

Unfortunately, the Americas will miss out on this eclipse, but for those in other parts of the world, the night sky on September 7, 2025, promises to be a sight to behold. Don't miss out on this celestial event – mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars.