Skywatchers are poised to witness a breathtaking astronomical display on the nights of September 7th and 8th. Earth’s shadow will dramatically sweep across the lunar surface, creating a stunning total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a “blood moon.” Fortunately, numerous opportunities exist to observe this event live online, irrespective of geographical location or weather conditions.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon during a full moon phase. This alignment casts a large shadow upon the Moon, transforming its usual luminous appearance. It is estimated that over seven billion people could have a view of the eclipse during its peak, although some regions will only experience partial phases.
Witnessing the Eclipse online
Table of Contents
- 1. Witnessing the Eclipse online
- 2. The Virtual Telescope project
- 3. Time and date
- 4. Understanding Lunar Eclipses
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About the Lunar eclipse
- 6. What causes the Moon to appear reddish during a total lunar eclipse?
- 7. Live Streams: Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse of the Blood Moon on September 7th for Free (video)
- 8. What is a Total Lunar Eclipse & Why is it called a Blood Moon?
- 9. When and Where to Watch the September 7th Lunar Eclipse
- 10. Free Live Streams to Watch the Blood Moon
- 11. Equipment for optimal viewing (beyond Live Streams)
For those unable to view the eclipse directly, or concerned about cloudy skies, several organizations will be providing free, high-quality livestreams. Thes streams offer a reliable way to experience the spectacle from anywhere in the world.
The Virtual Telescope project
The Virtual Telescope Project will host a livestream beginning at 1:45 p.m. EDT (17:45 GMT) on september 7th. Viewers will be able to observe the eclipse through robotic telescopes based in Manciano,Italy. the stream promises a clear view of the blood moon as it rises and enters totality.
Time and date
Time and Date is also preparing a livestream broadcast, starting at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) on September 7th. Presented by journalist Anne Buckle and Graham Jones,with additional coverage from a team led by Steffen Thorsen,the stream will originate from cyprus in the Mediterranean. This livestream will showcase the moon’s journey through Earth’s penumbral and umbral shadows, culminating in the full eclipse phase.
| Livestream Provider | Start Time (EDT) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Virtual Telescope Project | 1:45 PM | Manciano, Italy |
| Time and Date | 12:00 PM | Cyprus |
Did You Know? A “blood moon” gets its reddish hue because of a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering, the same effect that causes sunsets to appear red. Sunlight is scattered by Earth’s atmosphere, and the longer wavelengths of red light are bent towards the Moon’s surface during a total lunar eclipse.
pro Tip: Even if a livestream is already in progress, many platforms allow you to rewind to catch up on the earlier phases of the eclipse.
Understanding Lunar Eclipses
Lunar eclipses have captivated humans for millennia, often featuring prominently in mythology and folklore. Unlike solar eclipses, which require special eye protection to view safely, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to observe with the naked eye. The frequency of lunar eclipses varies, with at least two occurring each year, though they aren’t always total eclipses.
Recent studies by NASA indicate that the increasing amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere, such as from volcanic eruptions or wildfires, can affect the brightness and colour of the blood moon, making each eclipse uniquely different. Data from 2023 analysis of lunar eclipse color showed a notable shift in shade intensity after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lunar eclipse
- What causes a blood moon? A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight, filtering out most colors except red, which then illuminates the Moon.
- Is the lunar eclipse visible from the United States? Regrettably, the September 7-8 eclipse will not be visible from the United States.
- Is it safe to look directly at a lunar eclipse? yes, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye.
- How long does a total lunar eclipse last? The duration of totality, when the Moon is fully within Earth’s umbra, can vary, but typically lasts for over an hour.
- Where can I find more data about future lunar eclipses? Websites like Space.com and Time and Date provide complete lunar eclipse calendars and information.
Will you be tuning in to watch the blood moon? What are your favorite ways to experience celestial events like this one?
What causes the Moon to appear reddish during a total lunar eclipse?
Live Streams: Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse of the Blood Moon on September 7th for Free (video)
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse & Why is it called a Blood Moon?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. This results in the Moon appearing dimmer, and frequently enough taking on a reddish hue – so the nickname “Blood Moon.” This reddish color isn’t due to the Earth’s shadow adding red, but rather the result of sunlight being refracted (bent) and filtered through earth’s atmosphere. Blue light is scattered away, leaving the longer wavelengths of red and orange light to reach the Moon. This September 7th event promises a notably vibrant display, making it a must-see astronomical event. Understanding lunar eclipse 2025 details is key to maximizing your viewing experience.
When and Where to Watch the September 7th Lunar Eclipse
The total lunar eclipse on September 7th, 2025, will be visible across North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa. Here’s a breakdown of key times (all times are approximate and depend on your specific location – check local astronomy resources for precise timings):
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 22:52 UTC (September 6th for some locations)
Partial Eclipse begins: 23:58 UTC (September 6th for some locations)
Total Eclipse Begins: 00:52 UTC (September 7th) – This is when the Blood Moon appears!
maximum Eclipse: 01:27 UTC (September 7th)
Total Eclipse Ends: 02:02 UTC (September 7th)
Partial Eclipse Ends: 02:58 UTC (September 7th)
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 03:54 UTC (September 7th)
To find the exact timings for your location, use a lunar eclipse calculator like TimeandDate.com (https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-september-7). Searching for “lunar eclipse time near me” will also yield helpful results.
Free Live Streams to Watch the Blood Moon
Don’t have a clear view of the night sky? No problem! Several organizations will be broadcasting the eclipse live. Here are some of the best options for live lunar eclipse streams:
NASA: NASA typically provides excellent coverage of astronomical events on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/NASA) and website (https://www.nasa.gov/). Expect high-quality visuals and expert commentary.
TimeandDate.com: this website offers a dedicated live stream of the eclipse, along with real-time details and a lunar eclipse calendar (https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-september-7).
The Virtual telescope Project: Known for its stunning astrophotography, the Virtual Telescope Project (https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/) will likely host a live stream with detailed views of the eclipse.
Space.com: Often provides live coverage and updates on major space events, including lunar eclipses (https://www.space.com/).
These blood moon live streams offer a convenient way to witness the eclipse nonetheless of your location or weather conditions. Searching “watch lunar eclipse online” will reveal additional streaming options closer to the event date.
Equipment for optimal viewing (beyond Live Streams)
If you plan to view the eclipse directly, here’s what you’ll need:
Binoculars: Enhance your view of the lunar surface and details.
Telescope: For a truly breathtaking experience, a telescope will reveal craters and other features.
Red Flashlight: Preserve your night vision by using a red-filtered flashlight if you need to adjust equipment or consult star charts. white light will ruin your dark adaptation.
*Comfortable Chair/Blanket
