If you’ve been looking for a reason to step outside and marvel at the night sky, Sunday night delivers a spectacular show: a total lunar eclipse, also known as a “Blood Moon.”
This phenomenon turns the Moon a haunting deep red as it passes through Earth’s shadow, creating a sight that has fascinated humans for centuries.
Where and When to Catch the Eclipse
Sunday’s total lunar eclipse will be most visible across Asia, including countries like India and China.
Observers on the eastern edge of Africa and western Australia will also be able to enjoy the full spectacle.
The total eclipse is set to last from 19:30 to 20:52 South African time.
For stargazers in Europe and parts of Africa, only a brief partial eclipse will be visible as the Moon rises in the early evening.
Unfortunately, the Americas will miss out entirely on this particular event.
Why the Moon Turns Red During a Lunar Eclipse
The Moon’s eerie red glow occurs because sunlight is filtered and scattered through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the satellite.
Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, explains that shorter blue light wavelengths are dispersed more easily, leaving the longer red wavelengths to paint the Moon in its dramatic “bloody” hue.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses require no special glasses or equipment—clear skies and the right location are all you need to enjoy the show.
A Rare Celestial Event in Context
The last total lunar eclipse happened in March 2025, with the one before that in 2022.
Milligan, who describes himself as a “solar eclipse chaser,” says Sunday’s event is just a warm-up for an even bigger spectacle next year: a rare total solar eclipse visible in parts of Europe on August 12, 2026.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks sunlight, creating a dramatic day-to-night effect.
Milligan notes that mainland Europe hasn’t seen a total solar eclipse since 2006, making next year’s event particularly special, though the full totality will only be visible in a narrow band across Spain and Iceland.
Upcoming Full Moon Dates in 2025
For those who love marking the Moon’s cycles, here’s the full schedule for 2025 along with the traditional names:
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13 January – Wolf Moon
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12 February – Snow Moon
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14 March – Worm Moon
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12 April – Pink Moon
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12 May – Flower Moon
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11 June – Strawberry Moon
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10 July – Buck Moon
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9 August – Sturgeon Moon
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7 September – Corn Moon
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6 October – Harvest Moon
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5 November – Beaver Moon
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4 December – Cold Moon
Don’t Miss the Show
Whether you’re a casual stargazer or an astronomy enthusiast, Sunday night’s Blood Moon promises to be an unforgettable sight.
Grab a blanket, head outside, and take in the universe’s dramatic display.