Blood Moon Captivates India: Lunar Eclipse Lights Up the Night Sky
India witnessed a spectacular total lunar eclipse on September 7–8, 2025, as the Moon turned into a fiery “Blood Moon” for 82 minutes. Know the eclipse timings, visibility details, precautions, and cultural significance of this rare celestial event.
September 7 and 8 of 2025 —India will see a stunning celestial event: a total lunar eclipse, also known as a "Blood Moon," which shows how the Moon changes brightly when it is in Earth's shadow.
Highlights of Timing
Time of the Eclipse
The Moon will be completely covered for about 82 minutes, making this one of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade.
Important Stages Around India:
Penumbral beginnings began at 8:58 PM IST and turned into a partial eclipse by 9:57–9:58 PM. Totality began around 11:00–11:01 PM and peaked around 11:41 PM. The event ended between 12:22–1:26 AM on September 8.
What's with the "Blood Moon"?
The moon's fiery red colour is caused by the way sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere, blocking out shorter bands of blue light and only shining red light on the moon's surface.
Tips for Viewing and Visibility
It can be seen in most of India and in large parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia.
No special gear is needed; it's safe and fun to do with just your eyes. For the best experience, look for a clear, dark sky and think about using a tripod or zoom lens when you take pictures.
Meaning in terms of culture and religion
The Astronomical Society of India said that this is the last moon eclipse that people in India will be able to see until 2028.
In Hinduism, rituals and observances like not cooking, using Tulsi leaves naturally, and going to the temple are usually put on hold during the Sutak period, which is the time before the eclipse. People are urged to meditate, chant, bathe, and think about their spiritual lives.
In many places, people also did things like reading texts and making gifts that were related to old rituals and were especially for pregnant women.
This Blood Moon wasn't just a beautiful sight in the sky; it was a highly meaningful mix of astronomy, spirituality, and cultural tradition that brought people from India and around the world together to watch the sky.