Longest eclipse in years: Everything you need to know about the blood moon
When the total lunar eclipse will occur in 2025 (photo: Getty Images)
In 2025, we are in for a truly spectacular celestial event, a total lunar eclipse that promises to be incredibly striking. Nearly 60% of the world's population will have a unique opportunity to witness it from beginning to end. IFL Science explains when the total lunar eclipse will take place in 2025 and whether it will be visible from Ukraine.
When will the lunar eclipse occur?
The upcoming "Blood Moon" eclipse will be the second total lunar eclipse of 2025, following the one that occurred in March. This time, the Moon will hide in Earth's shadow during the night of September 7 and 8.
What is a total lunar eclipse, and why is it called a "Blood Moon"?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in such a way that our planet completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.
At that moment, the Moon doesn't simply go dark; it often takes on a hauntingly beautiful reddish-orange hue. That's why it has earned the nickname "Blood Moon."
This stunning color appears due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere scatters blue light and bends the red wavelengths toward the Moon's surface, creating this unique glow.
Interestingly, a lunar eclipse is essentially the opposite of a solar eclipse, in which the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.
Longest eclipse since 2022: When and where to watch it
The September 2025 eclipse will be the longest since 2022. According to scientists, the entire celestial event will last 5 hours and 27 minutes, with the period of totality, when the Moon is fully eclipsed, lasting about 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Where will the eclipse be visible?
The full eclipse, from start to finish, will be visible to people across most of Asia, parts of eastern Africa, and western Australia.
The partial phases of the event (weather permitting) will be visible to residents of the rest of Africa, Australia, and most of Europe.
In total, nearly 60% of the world's population will be able to see the full eclipse, and up to 87% will witness at least part of it.
Will people in Ukraine be able to see the eclipse?
For Ukrainians, the eclipse will be partially visible. The Moon will rise already during the eclipse, so we will be able to see it in a reddish hue.
Start of the eclipse (Kyiv time): around 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM Kyiv time on September 7
Maximum phase of the eclipse (when the Moon will be at its "bloodiest"): expected around 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM Kyiv time on September 7
End of the eclipse: The Moon will gradually exit Earth's shadow and penumbra by late evening on September 7
To have the best chance of seeing this spectacle, look for an open area with a clear view of the eastern horizon, as the Moon will be low above it.
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