Unlike names like “blue moon” or “strawberry moon” that depend on the time of year, a blood moon gets its name from its appearance. (Photo: Reuters)
Australians are in for a spectacular sky event early next week. On Monday, September 8, 2025, the country will witness a blood moon — a total lunar eclipse that will bathe the Moon in a red glow. This is the first total lunar eclipse visible from Australia since 2022.
University of Sydney astronomer Dr. Laura Driessen said the upcoming eclipse is worth staying up or waking up early for. "It's going to be a really good one. The really epic part, where the dark shadow creeps across the Moon and then leaves again — everywhere in Australia will get that," she said.
Unlike names like “blue moon” or “strawberry moon” that depend on the time of year, a blood moon gets its name from its appearance. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon. Instead of going dark, the lunar surface turns a striking red or copper hue because of how sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere.
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Total lunar eclipses occur about once a year, but they are not always visible everywhere. For Australians, they happen only every few years, making this event a must-see.
The blood moon will be visible across the entire country, but not all regions will see the eclipse in full.
Western Australia, South Australia, and parts of the Northern Territory will enjoy the complete eclipse, from start to finish.
The East Coast will see most of the event but will miss the final stage when the Moon moves out of Earth’s shadow.
Penumbral Eclipse – A faint shadow appears on the Moon.
Partial Eclipse – Earth’s shadow covers part of the Moon, making it darker.
Total Eclipse (Blood Moon) – The Moon glows red as Earth’s shadow fully covers it.
The process then reverses, ending with the final penumbral stage.
Dr. Driessen explained, "Roughly from Adelaide westwards, you'll be able to see the entire eclipse from start to finish."
The total lunar eclipse will happen in the early hours of Monday, September 8. Be prepared to stay up late or wake up before dawn.
Partial Eclipse begins: Around 2:30 AM AEST
Total Eclipse (Blood Moon): From 3:30 AM to 5:00 AM AEST
Partial Eclipse ends: Around 6:00 AM AEST
The blood moon will last about 90 minutes, giving stargazers plenty of time to enjoy and capture the moment.
For skywatchers, this event is a rare gift. Whether you are in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, or Sydney, the blood moon of 2025 promises to be a breathtaking sight. Grab your cameras, set your alarms, and don’t miss this celestial show.
