Total Lunar Eclipse – September 7, 2025

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow onto the Moon’s surface. Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be seen from a limited path on Earth, a lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere the Moon is above the horizon at the time of the event. Lunar eclipses typically happen two to four times a year, though not all of them are total—many are penumbral or partial and much less noticeable. Total lunar eclipses, often called “Blood Moons” because of the Moon’s reddish tint, are rarer and always a remarkable sight for skywatchers.

On September 7, 2025, the year’s second total lunar eclipse took place, lasting about 5 hours and 27 minutes, with totality enduring for 82 minutes. This impressive event was visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Eastern Africa—covering nearly 85% of the world’s population.

Timeline of the Eclipse

• 15:28 UTC (19:28 Yerevan time): The penumbral phase began, as the Moon entered Earth’s outer shadow.
• 16:27 UTC (20:27 Yerevan time): The partial eclipse began, with a dark shadow slowly spreading across the Moon’s surface.

This video shows the Moon gradually slipping into Earth’s shadow, turning deep red as it enters the umbra.

• 17:30 UTC (21:30 Yerevan time): Totality started, and the Moon gradually turned its characteristic deep red color due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that gives sunsets their reddish glow.
• 18:11 UTC (22:11 Yerevan time): Maximum eclipse, when the Moon appeared at its darkest and deepest red.

Here you can see how the Moon gradually moves into Earth’s shadow.

• 20:55 UTC (00:55 Yerevan time, September 8): The eclipse ended with the final penumbral phase.

Why This Eclipse Was Special

This eclipse was especially noteworthy for its long duration, making it the longest total lunar eclipse in the past two years. Skywatchers in Yerevan and across much of the world were treated to an unforgettable night sky spectacle.

For those already looking ahead, the next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, once again offering observers the chance to witness the Moon cloaked in a coppery-red glow.