Why Is the Moon Red Tonight? September Blood Moon Explained

The moon will shine red this weekend as a rare total lunar eclipse takes place on September 7, 2025. This event, often called a “blood moon,” will turn the night sky into a natural show for millions around the world. People in Australia, India, South Africa, and parts of the Middle East will see the eclipse in full. However, the eclipse will not be visible from North America.

The red color is caused by Earth’s shadow covering the moon. Sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, scattering blue light and leaving behind shades of red and orange. According to NASA, this creates the glowing “blood moon” effect.

Why the Moon Turns Red During a Lunar Eclipse

A total lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth, and moon line up perfectly. The Earth blocks direct sunlight from hitting the moon, but some rays still pass through the edges of Earth’s atmosphere. These rays bend and scatter, painting the moon in red tones.

The September eclipse will last more than five hours from start to finish. Totality, when the moon is fully inside Earth’s darkest shadow, will last for about 82 minutes. This makes it one of the longer eclipses of recent years. Nearly 77% of the world’s population will be able to view at least part of the event.

For sky watchers, no special glasses or protection are needed. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. Many people take photos during totality, as the deep red glow can be striking.

When and Where to Watch the September 2025 Blood Moon

The eclipse begins at 11:28 a.m. Eastern Time and ends at 4:55 p.m. Eastern. The full totality will take place between 1:30 and 2:52 p.m. Eastern. That means the best viewing will be in Asia, Africa, and Australia, where the event will occur at night.

North America will miss this eclipse, but another chance is coming. The next total lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. is set for March 2–3, 2026.

September’s full moon is also known as the Corn Moon, named after the harvest season in the northern United States. It will rise on September 7 and appear bright on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, even for those who cannot see the eclipse.

Looking Ahead to Moon Phases and the Fall Equinox

This eclipse falls just weeks before the autumnal equinox, which arrives on September 22 at 2:19 p.m. Eastern. The change marks the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

Other moon phases for September 2025 include the last quarter on September 14, the new moon on September 21, and the first quarter on September 29. The next full moon after the Corn Moon will be the Hunter’s Moon on October 6.

The moon’s red glow tonight is a reminder of Earth’s place in the universe. The blood moon is a rare chance to watch science unfold in the sky.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is the moon red tonight?

The moon looks red during a total lunar eclipse because Earth’s shadow blocks direct sunlight. Light bends through Earth’s atmosphere, leaving red shades.

Q2: How long will the lunar eclipse last?

The full eclipse lasts more than five hours. Totality, when the moon is fully red, will last about 82 minutes.

Q3: Where can the blood moon be seen?

This eclipse will be visible in Australia, India, South Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It will not be visible in North America.

Q4: When is the next lunar eclipse in the U.S.?

The next total lunar eclipse visible from the United States will occur on March 2–3, 2026.

Q5: What is the Corn Moon?

September’s full moon is called the Corn Moon because it matches the harvest season for corn in the northern United States.

Sources

NASA, Reuters, Associated Press, Space.com, Old Farmer’s Almanac