Skywatchers across India and many parts of the world are set to witness a breathtaking total lunar eclipse on the night of September 7–8, 2025 (16–17 Bhadra, 1947 Saka Era). This celestial event will be fully visible from India, offering a rare opportunity to observe the Moon in complete alignment with the Earth and the Sun.
According to official information, the umbral phase of the eclipse will begin at 9:57 p.m. IST on September 7 and end at 1:27 a.m. IST on September 8. The most anticipated part of the event — the totality phase — will occur from 11:00 p.m. to 12:23 a.m. IST, lasting 1 hour and 23 minutes, during which the Moon will appear dramatically darkened as it passes fully into Earth’s shadow.
The entire duration of the eclipse will span 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a magnitude of 1.368, making it a vivid and scientifically significant occurrence. The eclipse will also be visible in regions including Antarctica, the western Pacific Ocean, Australasia, Asia, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Experts explain that a lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon night when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon is completely engulfed in Earth’s umbral shadow, whereas a partial eclipse covers only a portion of the Moon.
The last lunar eclipse visible from India was a partial eclipse on October 28, 2023. After the upcoming 2025 event, the next total lunar eclipse visible from India will take place on March 3, 2026.
This astronomical event is not only a visual delight but also a valuable moment for science educators, students, and amateur astronomers to engage with space observation and celestial mechanics.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
