New Delhi:  Skywatchers across large parts of the globe are preparing for a rare celestial spectacle as the longest total lunar eclipse in more than three years is set to take place on the night of September 7–8. Known as a “Blood Moon,” the event will last for nearly three and a half hours, with the totality phase alone spanning about 82 minutes.

According to astronomical calculations, the eclipse will begin with the penumbral phase at 15:28 UTC, followed by the partial phase at 16:27 UTC. The Moon will then slip into totality at 17:30 UTC, reaching maximum eclipse at around 18:11 UTC. The deep red Moon will remain in full eclipse until 18:52 UTC, after which it will gradually move out of Earth’s shadow, ending completely by 20:55 UTC.

The eclipse will be most prominently visible across Asia, Australia, and eastern Africa, where viewers will witness the entire sequence. Europe will see a partial view as the Moon rises, with countries such as the United Kingdom and Spain expected to experience the later phases. In Scotland, the eclipse will appear strikingly just above the eastern horizon. In contrast, the Americas will largely miss the spectacle as the Moon will be below the horizon during totality.

In India, the event holds not only scientific but also cultural significance. In Andhra Pradesh, major temples are scheduled to close from 3:30 PM on September 7 and will reopen in the early hours of September 8 after post-eclipse rituals. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, is preparing for public viewing events to allow residents and visitors to experience the 82 minutes of totality.

Astronomers note that this eclipse is remarkable for its global reach, with nearly 85 percent of the world’s population able to witness at least part of it. For those in areas with poor visibility or unfavorable weather, multiple international observatories and platforms plan to stream the event live online.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Observers are advised to find clear eastern horizons for the best viewing experience, especially in regions where the Moon will rise during or after the maximum phase.

The September 7–8 eclipse will mark one of the most widely viewed lunar eclipses in history, offering billions of people across continents the chance to witness the Moon bathed in a dramatic reddish glow.