On the night of September 7-8, people in Australia, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe can witness a stunning event: a “blood moon” total lunar eclipse. This spectacle will last about five and a half hours, during which the full Corn Moon will slide into Earth’s shadow. As it does, it will take on a striking copper-red hue for 82 minutes, marking the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, which can only be seen from specific areas, this lunar eclipse will be visible to everyone on the night side of Earth. Though North America won’t be able to see it, around 5.8 billion people—about 71% of the planet’s population—will have a great view. Major cities like Sydney, Tokyo, and Seoul will catch the eclipse early, while Moscow and Bucharest will watch as the moon rises into the shadow.
The last total lunar eclipse visible from North America was on March 14, 2025, lasting just 65 minutes. The next one will be on March 2-3, 2026, giving onlookers another chance to see this beautiful cosmic event.
As this lunar eclipse approaches, let’s look at some interesting details. The event kicks off at 11:28 a.m. EDT (15:28 UTC) with the moon beginning to dim as it enters Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra. By 12:26 p.m. (16:26 UTC), the moon will start to be covered by the darker inner shadow, or umbra, creating that dramatic copper-red color.
During the peak of totality, from 1:30 p.m. (17:30 UTC) to 2:52 p.m. (18:52 UTC), the spectacle will be at its most vibrant. After this, the moon will exit the umbra and penumbra, with the event concluding at 4:55 p.m. (20:55 UTC).
You don’t need special equipment to enjoy a lunar eclipse. Simply step outside and look up. However, if you want to see detailed features of the moon’s surface, a decent telescope or a pair of stargazing binoculars can enhance the experience.
For those who can’t be outside during the eclipse, there will be livestreams available from Cyprus and Italy, allowing everyone to join in the festivities from the comfort of their homes.
In the age of social media, expect to see lots of excited posts and live updates. People often share their views and experiences, adding to the community vibe of such celestial events. NASA’s and other space agencies’ social platforms will likely showcase stunning images and real-time updates, helping to connect star-gazers worldwide.
For those curious about the moon, it’s interesting to note that lunar eclipses have been observed for centuries. Ancient cultures often viewed them as omens, leading to various interpretations and myths. Today, they still capture our imagination, pointing to our ongoing fascination with the cosmos.
Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or just looking for a beautiful night under the stars, this lunar eclipse is a chance to pause and appreciate the wonders of the universe.
