India Records Its Lengthiest Total Lunar Eclipse Since 2022

On the night of September 7 to 8, 2025, India witnessed a rare celestial phenomenon as the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 unfolded across the country. Known popularly as the “Blood Moon,” the lunar eclipse cast a breathtaking copper-red glow on the Moon, delighting stargazers, astronomers, and families nationwide.

The eclipse began with the partial phase starting around 9:57 PM IST, followed by the total lunar eclipse phase commencing at approximately 11:01 PM IST. This phase, where the Earth’s shadow completely enveloped the Moon, lasted an impressive 82 minutes—making it one of the longest-lasting total lunar eclipses visible from India in recent years. The totality peaked around midnight and gradually ended by 12:23 AM, with the overall event concluding by 2:25 AM IST on September 8.

The “Blood Moon” phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. But instead of darkening entirely, the Moon takes on a deep red hue due to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — scattering shorter blue wavelengths and letting red and orange hues bathe the lunar surface.

Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai provided ideal vantage points with clear skies, enabling people to witness this marvel in full. This total lunar eclipse was visible throughout Asia, parts of Europe, Africa, and Australia, with the Americas unable to witness the event.

The next total lunar eclipse visible nationwide in India is predicted for December 31, 2028.