An 82-Minute Blood Moon: India Braces for a Celestial Spectacle Tonight

As darkness falls across India tonight, stargazers and spiritual seekers alike will witness one of the decade’s longest and most dramatic lunar eclipses—a deep crimson Blood Moon hanging above cities and villages nationwide. Here’s everything you need to know about the September 2025 Chandra Grahan, including timings, significance, and how to watch.

 

Introduction

 

Tonight, September 7, 2025, the entire country is primed to experience a rare total lunar eclipse. This incredible event, visible from every part of India, will transform the full moon into a stunning Blood Moon, glowing bright red for more than 80 minutes at the peak of its eclipse—a spectacle last seen across India in 2018 and not returning until 2028.

 

Key Highlights of the Event

 

The eclipse starts at 9:57 PM IST, peaks with the brightest Blood Moon effect between 11:00 and 12:22 AM (September 8), and ends at 1:26 AM IST.

 

Totality—when the Moon is fully bathed in Earth’s central shadow—will last for 82 minutes, one of the longest durations seen in a decade.

 

The phenomenon will be visible across India, as well as much of Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe.

 

Where and How to Watch

 

The lunar eclipse is best observed outdoors, with an unobstructed sky—rooftops, balconies, open parks, or fields are ideal locations.

 

Unlike solar eclipses, this event is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars or telescopes can reveal extra details, but aren’t necessary.

 

No weather extremes or light filters needed—just a clear sky and a view eastward from anywhere in India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

 

For those unable to view directly, several national science agencies and media outlets will provide live online coverage, including mobile updates and television news.

 

Detailed Timings (India Standard Time)

 

 

Blood Moon ends: 12:22 AM (September 8)

 

 

Tonight’s eclipse occurs on Bhadrapada Purnima (Full Moon day), coinciding with the start of Pitru Paksha—a traditional period dedicated to honoring ancestors in Hindu tradition.

 

Temples across India will close early due to the Sutak period, which starts at 12:57 PM and continues until the eclipse’s end. Many families mark the eclipse with special prayers and by avoiding new ventures and important rituals during this interval.

 

The Science Behind the Red Hue

 

When the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, it blocks direct sunlight. Yet some sunlight bends through the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue wavelengths and letting red light reach the lunar surface. This phenomenon—called Rayleigh scattering—paints the Moon vivid red or coppery orange, creating the fabled Blood Moon.

 

The Moon’s slow passage through the deepest part of Earth’s shadow and its position near apogee (the farthest point in its orbit) extend both the eclipse’s duration and the blood-red spectacle.

 

Safety and Observation Tips

 

No protective glasses or special equipment is necessary—viewers of all ages can admire the event by simply looking skyward.

 

For photographers, a tripod and a camera with manual settings are recommended to capture the dramatic hues and gradual transitions.

 

Cultural and Spiritual Relevance

 

Many communities observe fasting and avoid cooking or starting new projects during the lunar eclipse, honoring the cosmic shift.

 

Pitru Paksha ceremonies often include prayers, offerings, and acts of remembrance for ancestors, believed to bring peace and blessings.

 

Source: Business Today, JagranJosh, IndiaTVNews, TimesNow, Times of India, and Drik Panchang