Millions of Australians will be treated to a rare celestial spectacle in the early hours of Monday, 8 September, when a striking “blood moon” is set to appear.
The phenomenon, known scientifically as a total lunar eclipse, occurs when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. The only light that filters through comes via Earth’s atmosphere, turning the moon a haunting shade of red and orange.
Viewing will begin at around 3:30am in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Hobart, while Adelaide and Darwin will see it from 3:00am, and Perth as early as 1:30am. The eclipse will peak about 45 minutes later, when the moon’s crimson glow will be at its most vivid.
Astronomers advise finding a high vantage point with little artificial light for the best view. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
This will be Australia’s second blood moon of 2025, following one in March that was only briefly visible. After September, stargazers will have to wait until March 2026 for the next total lunar eclipse.
