A spectacular celestial event, the total lunar eclipse popularly known as the “Blood Moon,” was witnessed across several major Indian cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi on the night of September 7-8, 2025. This rare astronomical phenomenon captivated millions as the moon turned a deep reddish hue while passing through Earth’s shadow.
The eclipse began late in the evening, reaching totality at around 12:22 AM IST and lasting for approximately 82 minutes. Clear skies and favorable weather in key urban centers like Mumbai’s Marine Drive and Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden provided perfect vantage points for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The reddish color, caused by sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, added an ethereal dimension to this natural event.
Scientifically, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The unique “blood” coloration stems from Rayleigh scattering, where Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing predominantly red wavelengths to reach and illuminate the moon. This eclipse was also notable for coinciding with Pitru Paksha Purnima, a sacred time in Indian culture for honoring ancestors, adding spiritual significance to the astronomical spectacle.
Astronomy experts note that the 2025 Blood Moon eclipse was among the longest and most visible in recent years, viewable across a wide geographic area including Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. The event has sparked renewed interest in celestial phenomena and stargazing across India, with social media abuzz with photos and videos celebrating this vivid display in the night sky.
As this Blood Moon faded, it left behind a sense of wonder and a reminder of the cosmic scale connecting the Earth to the universe beyond. Observers are already looking forward to future eclipses, inspired by this rare glimpse into the dynamics of our solar system.
