Next Sunday, September 7, 2025, the sky will offer a unique spectacle: a Blood Moon, that is, a total lunar eclipse that will be visible in different parts of the world.
During the phenomenon, the Moon will acquire an intense reddish color as a result of the alignment between the Sun, Earth, and our natural satellite. Sunlight refracts through Earth's atmosphere, creating the characteristic hue that gives the Blood Moon its name.
The eclipse will be visible in regions where it is nighttime: Antarctica, Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, eastern America, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
What is a total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on our satellite. It can only happen during the full Moon and when the Moon passes through part of Earth's shadow.
During the total phase, the Moon will remain tinted red for 1 hour and 22 minutes, while the total duration of the eclipse will be 5 hours and 27 minutes.
El color rojizo que adquiere la luna en un eclipse lunar total.
Where and how to see the Blood Moon
The eclipse will especially benefit the eastern hemisphere, although some phases will be visible in almost the entire world:
Africa: The entire continent will enjoy the event at dusk.
Japan, Australia, and New Zealand: The Moon will be visible at dawn.
North and South America, Europe, and the Arctic: Several phases of the eclipse can be followed.
Cities such as Madrid, Rome, New Delhi, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Berlin, and Tokyo will have good visibility. It is estimated that 7.03 billion people will be able to see at least part of the eclipse, while 4.9 billion will enjoy the entire event.
La representación de las fases del eclipse lunar total.
Eclipse schedule (UT)-Universal Time
15:28 – Start of the penumbral eclipse
16:27 – Partial eclipse begins
17:30 – Start of the total phase
18:11 – Maximum eclipse
18:52 – End of the total phase
19:56 – Partial eclipse ends
20:55 – End of the penumbral eclipse
The lunar perigee, the moment when the Moon is closest to Earth, will coincide with the eclipse, making it appear larger than usual. The magnitude of the phenomenon will reach 36% of the lunar diameter covered by the umbra, offering an impressive visual spectacle.
Binoculars or telescopes are not required, although they can enhance the experience. The important thing is to have a clear sky and patience to follow each phase. In addition, several online platforms will broadcast the phenomenon live, allowing people to enjoy it even if local conditions are not ideal.
Although the complete Blood Moon will not be visible in Argentina, the eclipse will still be a global spectacle. Those interested will be able to observe the phases from other regions or follow the live broadcast through online platforms. For those who see it, it will be a unique opportunity to enjoy an impressive astronomical phenomenon and to get closer to astronomy from anywhere in the world.
Recommended sites to follow the eclipse online
NASA TV – Official live broadcast of the total lunar eclipse. nasa.gov
Virtual Telescope Project – Live observation from Italy with robotic telescopes. virtualtelescope.eu
YouTube – Griffith Observatory, with live coverage of the phenomenon. youtube.com/GriffithObservatory
