Context

On September 7, 2025, skygazers across India and parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa witnessed a stunning celestial event — a Total Lunar Eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon.” This was the longest total lunar eclipse visible from India since 2022 and the first since July 27, 2018, to be seen from all corners of the country.

Significant happenings:

• During the eclipse, the Moon passed through Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow.
• The scattering of shorter blue light and the refraction of red and orange wavelengths through Earth's atmosphere gave the Moon a deep red or coppery tint — hence the name Blood Moon.
• The phenomenon captivated stargazers and photographers worldwide.

About Total Lunar Eclipse:

• A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes entirely through Earth's umbra — the darkest part of its shadow.
• This requires perfect alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, with Earth in the middle.
• During this event, direct sunlight is completely blocked, but some light still reaches the Moon indirectly.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red? 

The term "Blood Moon" refers to the reddish or coppery appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse.

• This happens due to:
• Refraction of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere.
• Scattering of shorter blue wavelengths, while red and orange light bend around Earth and reach the Moon.
• The effect is similar to sunsets and sunrises, which also appear red.
• Thus, even in Earth's shadow, the Moon is illuminated by filtered sunlight, giving it a deep red glow.

Frequency and Visibility:

• Total lunar eclipses are relatively rare, occurring 2 to 3 times per year, but not always visible everywhere.

Significance:

• Safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses.
• Useful for studying:
• Earth's atmospheric composition.
• Light scattering and refraction phenomena.
• Lunar surface responses to rapid temperature changes.
• Culturally significant in many societies and often tied to myths or omens.

Conclusion:

The Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon of September 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for scientific observation, public engagement, and understanding celestial mechanics. Events like these foster astronomical awareness and reflect the intricate dynamics of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.