Total Lunar Eclipse Transforms Moon into 'Blood Moon' Over Asia and Europe

On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse graced the night skies, turning the Moon a deep red hue, commonly referred to as a "blood moon." This celestial event was visible across Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe and Africa, offering a spectacular sight to millions of observers.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that completely covers the lunar surface. During this alignment, the Moon takes on a reddish color due to Rayleigh scattering, where Earth's atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight, allowing only longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon. This phenomenon is similar to the process that causes red sunsets and sunrises.

The eclipse began with the penumbral phase at 15:28 UTC, followed by the partial eclipse at 16:27 UTC. Totality commenced at 17:30 UTC, reaching its peak at 18:11 UTC, and concluded at 18:52 UTC. The entire event lasted approximately five and a half hours, with totality spanning about 82 minutes.

In Europe, the timing of the eclipse coincided with moonrise, allowing observers to witness the Moon rising already immersed in Earth's shadow. This provided a unique opportunity to see the "blood moon" ascending above the horizon.

Photographers and skywatchers captured stunning images of the event. In Shanghai, the Moon was photographed during totality, showcasing its deep red coloration.

This eclipse was the second in a series of three total lunar eclipses occurring within a 12-month period, with the next one expected on March 2–3, 2026.