Astronomical Event: Blood Moon to Phenomenon Over Australia and New Zealand This Weekend, Guidelines on Witnessing It

Get ready for a celestial spectacle as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a 'Blood Moon', is set to light up the night skies of Australia and New Zealand on September 8, 2025.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon darkens and takes on a rusty red colour. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, with the Earth's shadow casting on the Moon. The reddening that gives the Blood Moon its name happens because sunlight is passing through Earth's atmosphere on its way to the Moon and is refracted, causing it to appear red.

On September 8, 2025, the Moon will be approaching perigee, making it slightly closer to Earth and potentially appearing larger than usual. This combined with the total lunar eclipse could make for a truly spectacular sight.

A bright 'star' above and to the right of the Moon during the lunar eclipse will be the planet Saturn, which is visible with the naked eye at the moment because it's approaching opposition on September 21, 2025. This could provide a great photo opportunity for stargazers.

The totality of the Earth-facing side of the Moon will be basked in Earth's shadow at 03:31 AEST (01:31 AWST) on September 8, 2025. Earth's shadow will cover the whole Moon until 04:53 AEST (02:53 AWST), with the latter partial phase ending at 05:57 AEST (03:57 AWST).

All of Australia will get to see the Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on September 8, but New Zealanders won't get to see the whole thing due to the Moon setting before the lunar eclipse finishes.

For those interested in photographing this celestial event, our guide on the subject is a must-read. For those who wish to share their experiences and images, we invite you to email us at contactus@our website.

If you miss this lunar eclipse, fear not! The next total lunar eclipse visible from Australia and New Zealand will be on March 3, 2026.

Remember, unlike a solar eclipse, no eclipse glasses or other special equipment are needed to see a lunar eclipse. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a night of stargazing on September 8, 2025!

Astronomical Event: Blood Moon to Phenomenon Over Australia and New Zealand This Weekend, Guidelines on Witnessing It