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Blood Moon steals the show in rare total lunar eclipse

Danie van der Lith|Published

The September 7, 2025 total lunar eclipse turned the night sky into a spectacle as the Moon glowed deep red for 82 minutes, one of the longest eclipses of the decade. Visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia, the Blood Moon mesmerised observers with its fiery hue, caused by Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight.

Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA Newspaper

THE NIGHT skies delivered a breathtaking spectacle as a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, unfolded across much of the world. As Earth moved directly between the Sun and the full Corn Moon, its shadow cast a deep red glow across the lunar surface, creating an unforgettable sight for skywatchers.

This eclipse was notable for its remarkable length. The period of totality, when the Moon was fully immersed in Earth’s umbral shadow, lasted about 82 minutes, making it one of the longest lunar eclipses of the decade.

The event was visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia, where many observers watched the Moon rise already in eclipse. In these regions, the sight of the crimson Moon hovering near the horizon added to the drama of the evening. Unfortunately, much of the Americas missed out, as the Moon had already set before the eclipse began.

For millions who did witness it, the eclipse offered a stunning lesson in celestial mechanics and atmospheric science. The Moon’s red tint was caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon responsible for vivid sunsets. As sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths were scattered out, leaving behind the warm reds and oranges that illuminated the lunar surface.

Beyond science, the eclipse carried cultural significance in several regions. Some communities observed traditional rituals, treating the event as a time of reflection and purification.

For those unable to view it in person, live streams ensured that the Blood Moon reached audiences across the globe, uniting people in a shared moment of awe.

The September 7, 2025, total lunar eclipse will be remembered as a spectacular fusion of beauty, science, and tradition, an event that turned the night sky into a canvas of cosmic wonder.