Tonight, September 7, 2025, billions of people across the globe are witnessing a rare and stunning celestial event: a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "Blood Moon". As the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, it casts a shadow that transforms the Moon into a deep crimson color.
The phenomenon is visible across a wide range of regions, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, much of the Arab world, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and New Zealand. However, the Americas will miss out on this particular event.
The eclipse unfolds in several phases. The penumbral eclipse, when the Moon enters the Earth's faint outer shadow, began subtly. This is followed by a partial eclipse, where a visible "bite" appears on the lunar surface as it moves into the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow. The total eclipse, the most dramatic phase, occurs when the Moon is entirely within the Earth's umbral shadow, giving it a striking red glow.
The moment of totality, when the Moon takes on its characteristic red glow, is expected to last for approximately 82 minutes. For observers in the UAE, the penumbral phase began at 7:28 pm, with the partial eclipse starting at 8:27 pm, and totality commencing at 9:31 pm. In India, the total eclipse phase is expected to begin at 11:01 pm and last for 82 minutes, with the partial phase ending at 1:26 am on September 8, and the eclipse concluding at 2:25 am. The peak of the eclipse is expected to occur at 9:12 p.m. Israel time.
The red coloration of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse is due to Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, blue light is filtered out, and red light is bent towards the Moon's surface, creating the "blood moon" effect. The exact hue can vary depending on atmospheric conditions, including the amount of dust and smoke present.
For those in the UAE seeking optimal viewing locations, open desert areas and Burj Khalifa viewing points in Dubai offer excellent visibility. The Corniche and waterfront parks in Abu Dhabi also provide clear skies and panoramic views. Mleiha National Park in Sharjah and high-altitude locations like Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah are also recommended. The Dubai Astronomy Group hosted a special Blood Moon viewing at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and is also livestreaming the event.
The total lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye, and no special equipment is needed. Binoculars and telescopes can enhance the viewing experience. It is recommended to find an open area with minimal artificial lighting for the best view.
This particular total lunar eclipse is especially significant as it is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 that is fully observable from all parts of India. For those in the UAE, the next total lunar eclipse visible is expected several years from now. The next total lunar eclipse will happen on March 3, 2026.
