This weekend (published Sep 6, 2025), observers across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia can watch a total lunar eclipse that overlaps the September full “corn” moon, producing a deep red “blood moon” during roughly an hour and 23 minutes of totality.
Key takeaways
- The eclipse is visible Sunday for Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia; it will not be visible from most of the Americas.
- Event timeline (Eastern Time): begins 11:28 a.m., totality 1:30 p.m. for about 1 hour 23 minutes, ends 4:55 p.m. ET (visibility varies by location).
- The September full moon is nicknamed the corn moon and will appear full across the weekend; full appearance typically spans the day before and after peak.
- No special eyewear is required to view a lunar eclipse; binoculars or a small telescope can enhance details.
- Atmospheric scattering produces the red hue; ozone in the upper atmosphere can create brief blue or purple bands near totality.
- Other sky events this season include a partial solar eclipse on Sept 21 and several meteor showers through December.
Verified facts
The lunar eclipse alignment begins at 11:28 a.m. Eastern Time and concludes at 4:55 p.m. ET. Totality — when the Moon is completely inside Earth’s umbra — begins at 1:30 p.m. ET and lasts approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes, according to published observing schedules.
Visibility is determined by where the Moon is above the horizon. NASA and EarthSky list Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia in the viewing footprint for this event; much of North and South America will not see the eclipse live.
The September full moon carries the traditional name “corn moon,” tied to harvest season. Although the moment of full moon is a specific instant, the Moon appears fully illuminated to the naked eye for about a day on either side of that peak, so viewers have multiple nights to enjoy a bright full Moon.
| Event | Eastern Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Eclipse begins | 11:28 a.m. ET |
| Totality begins | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| Totality duration | ≈ 1 hour 23 minutes |
| Eclipse ends | 4:55 p.m. ET |
Context & impact
Lunar eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth and Moon align so Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. They typically happen about twice a year but are visible only from portions of the globe where the Moon is above the horizon.
The reddish color seen during totality results from sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere; shorter (blue) wavelengths are scattered, leaving red-orange light to reach the Moon. Variations in atmospheric composition, volcanic aerosols or ozone can change the exact hue and can produce brief blue or purple bands immediately before or after totality.
For communities and amateur astronomy groups, a long totality (about 83 minutes) offers an extended opportunity for public viewing events and photography. Educational programs often emphasize that lunar eclipses are safe to view without protective eyewear and are accessible to all ages.
Practical impacts are limited to observation: skywatchers should account for local weather, horizon obstructions and light pollution when planning to view the eclipse.
Official statements
“A lunar eclipse unfolds slowly, so observers can enjoy the full progression without special timing,”
Noah Petro, NASA Goddard
“You do not need eclipse glasses for a lunar eclipse; binoculars or a small scope will simply add surface detail,”
Sara Russell, Natural History Museum, London
What to bring and how to watch
- Find a dark spot with an unobstructed view of the Moon’s path above the horizon.
- No eye protection is needed for lunar eclipses. Bring binoculars or a small telescope for surface detail and better color observation.
- Check local weather forecasts; clouds will block the view entirely.
- Allow your eyes to adapt to the night and use a low-light camera setting for photos; longer exposures will capture the red coloration best.
Upcoming related celestial events
Two weeks after this eclipse, a partial solar eclipse will be visible on Sept 21 from parts of Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific and Antarctica. Remaining full moons for 2025 (per Farmers’ Almanac) are:
- Oct 6 — Harvest moon
- Nov 5 — Beaver moon
- Dec 4 — Cold moon
Major meteor shower peak dates this season (from observational agencies) include:
- Draconids: Oct 8–9
- Orionids: Oct 22–23
- Southern Taurids: Nov 3–4
- Northern Taurids: Nov 8–9
- Leonids: Nov 16–17
- Geminids: Dec 13–14
- Ursids: Dec 21–22
Unconfirmed
- Local visibility will depend on cloud cover and weather conditions at each observing site.
- Exact perceived color and brightness depend on atmospheric dust or volcanic aerosols present at the time of the eclipse.
Bottom line
This September corn moon and its overlapping total lunar eclipse offer a broadly accessible and slow-moving celestial show for observers across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Plan for a dark viewing spot, check local timings and weather, and enjoy an extended period of totality that is ideal for education, photography and public outreach.