Chandigarh, Sept 7: A rare celestial spectacle will unfold tonight as a total lunar eclipse — popularly called a “Blood Moon” — turns the Moon a red-orange hue for 82 minutes. India is one of the best places in the world to watch the event in its entirety, according to astronomers.
A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. During totality, sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere bathes the Moon in a reddish glow, giving rise to the term “Blood Moon.”
“This is one of nature’s simplest but most beautiful alignments,” said an astronomy educator in Bengaluru. “You don’t need fancy equipment — just look up, and let the Moon do the magic.”
When to watch
The eclipse will be visible across much of Asia, Western Australia, and parts of Europe, Africa, eastern Australia and New Zealand. Nearly 85 percent of the world’s population will be able to view at least a portion of it, depending on weather conditions.
In India, observers will be able to watch the full sequence from beginning to end. The key timings in Indian Standard Time (IST) are:
- 8:58 pm, Sept. 7 — Penumbral eclipse begins
- 9:57 pm, Sept. 7 — Partial eclipse begins
- 11:00 pm, Sept. 7 — Total eclipse (Blood Moon) begins
- 11:41 pm, Sept. 7 — Maximum eclipse
- 12:22 am, Sept. 8 — Total eclipse ends
- 1:26 am, Sept. 8 — Partial eclipse ends
- 2:25 am, Sept. 8 — Penumbral eclipse ends
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye. While no protective gear is required, telescopes and binoculars may enhance the view for enthusiasts and photographers.
Best viewing locations
The total eclipse will be visible across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Astronomers say some of the most striking views are expected from dark-sky destinations such as Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Nubra Valley in Ladakh, Sariska in Rajasthan, Matheran in Maharashtra, the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka and Neil Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Why it matters
The timing makes this eclipse more significant, as clear skies are forecast for much of Asia and the event coincides with festive periods in parts of the region. For many cultures, lunar eclipses hold symbolic or spiritual meaning, adding a cultural layer to the astronomical event.
Experts note that this will be the last opportunity for several years to watch a total lunar eclipse from India. “This is not just another night sky event,” the Bengaluru-based educator said. “The next chance may be a long wait, so this is truly a night to remember.”
