New Delhi: Skywatchers in India are in for a celestial treat this weekend as a spectacular total lunar eclipse popularly called a “Blood Moon” will be visible on the night of September 7 and continue into the early hours of September 8. The rare event will bathe the Moon in a glowing red-orange hue, creating one of the most memorable astronomical spectacles of the decade.
What is the ‘Blood Moon’?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting its shadow across the lunar surface. During this phase, the Moon takes on a striking crimson glow. The phenomenon, known as the “Blood Moon effect,” happens because Earth’s atmosphere scatters away shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight, while longer red wavelengths bend toward the Moon, giving it its eerie red shade.
Visibility Across India
This eclipse will be visible across most of India, including major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, and Chandigarh. Cities in central regions like Bhopal, Nagpur, and Raipur will also enjoy an excellent view, provided skies remain clear.
Astronomers highlight that the Moon will be high in the night sky, making it easy to spot without obstructions. The best viewing points will be open spaces such as terraces, rooftops, parks, and fields, away from the interference of city lights.
Eclipse Timings in India
The totality phase of this eclipse when the entire Moon will be covered by Earth’s umbral shadow will last for 82 minutes, marking it as one of the longest and most visually dramatic eclipses of recent years.
• Eclipse begins: 8:58 PM IST (Sept. 7)
• Totality (Blood Moon): 11:00 PM to 12:22 AM IST
• Eclipse ends: 2:25 AM IST (Sept. 8)
How to Watch the Eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye no special filters or protective gear are required. For a closer look at the Moon’s craters and the gradient of red shades, binoculars or a telescope can be used. Mobile apps such as Stellarium or SkySafari may also help locate the Moon’s position in real time.
Photography enthusiasts can capture the moment using a DSLR or smartphone mounted on a tripod. Experts recommend a long exposure of 1–2 seconds with ISO settings between 400–800 for clear images. A time-lapse of the eclipse’s progression can create a stunning visual record of the night sky.
With nearly 85% of the world’s population able to witness at least part of this event, the September 7 Blood Moon is expected to be one of the most widely observed lunar eclipses in years. For India’s stargazers, it promises to be an unforgettable cosmic spectacle.