ISLAMABAD: A spectacular total lunar eclipse casts a reddish glow over the skies of Asia, Europe, and Africa on the night of September 7–8, 2025, delighting stargazers and photographers across three continents.
The phenomenon, popularly known as a “blood moon,” occurred as the Earth moved directly between the Sun and the Moon, projecting its shadow and filtering light through the atmosphere to paint the Moon a deep red.
Striking Views Around the World
In Shanghai, China, the red moon rose over the city’s skyline, framed by glittering skyscrapers along the Huangpu River. In Islamabad, Pakistan, photographers captured the cratered surface of the Moon glowing in vivid crimson. From Tokyo, the eclipse appeared behind the iconic Skytree tower, creating a striking contrast with the city’s neon lights.
The Moon appears from behind the Tokyo Skytree during a total lunar eclipse in the middle of the night above the Japanese capital early on September 8, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
In Kuwait City, the blood moon loomed above a minaret, while in Colombo, Sri Lanka, it hung brightly against the night sky. In the southern hemisphere, Sydney residents enjoyed dramatic views of the moon rising above the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, South Africa, the eclipse peeked through scattered clouds, adding an ethereal glow to the city’s skyline.
Across Europe, observers in Berlin, Copenhagen, and Odesa caught glimpses as the moon rose partially eclipsed, turning red on the horizon.
In Pakistan
In Pakistan, the celestial spectacle drew large gatherings of skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts. According to SUPARCO, the total eclipse was clearly visible across much of the country from 8:30 pm to 1:55 am local time, with the deepest red phase occurring around 11:12 pm. Public observatories, including Karachi University’s Institute of Space Science and Technology, opened their doors to the public, while in Islamabad, families and students watched from rooftops and open spaces. For many, the “blood moon” was both a scientific curiosity and a communal moment of wonder.
Global Fascination and Human Connection
The event, which lasted from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT, drew crowds to open spaces, rooftops, and riverbanks. Unlike solar eclipses, no special equipment was required—just clear skies and patience. In cities across Asia, families gathered in public parks to watch, while in Africa and Europe, astronomy clubs and photographers organized late-night viewing sessions.
For many, the sight held cultural and spiritual resonance, echoing traditions that have regarded blood moons as omens, symbols of renewal, or celestial wonders.
The Science Behind the Blood Moon
Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan of Queen’s University Belfast explained to AFP that the Moon turns red because “the only sunlight reaching it is reflected and scattered through Earth’s atmosphere.” Blue light scatters more easily, leaving red wavelengths to bend around the Earth and project onto the lunar surface.
“That’s what gives the Moon its red, bloody colour,” he said.
The September 2025 eclipse was the most dramatic in recent years, following less visible penumbral and partial eclipses in 2023 and 2024. The last total lunar eclipse occurred in March 2025, while the previous one was in 2022.
