Total lunar eclipse will paint the full moon blood red for over 7 billion skywatchers tonight

people stand and look at a total lunar eclipse blood moon high in the sky. — The second total lunar eclipse of 2025 delivers a long, blood-red moon. (Image credit: WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

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When to look
Viewing tips for tonight

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article to see the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

Tonight (Sept. 7–8, 2025), the moon will slip into Earth's shadow for a total lunar eclipse — creating a dramatic 'blood moon'.

It's completely safe to watch with the naked eye; no filters or glasses are needed. All you need to do is make sure you find the moon at the right time, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

If you live outside of the viewing area or can't make it outside to view the eclipse live, luckily you can watch the blood moon total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with these free livestreams, or right here at Space.com. You can also follow along with our lunar eclipse live blog for updates, images and milestones as the eclipse unfolds. Find everything you need to know about the total lunar eclipse with our comprehensive September 2025 total lunar eclipse guide.

Asia and Western Australia get the full show. Much of Europe and Africa will see the moon already in totality as it rises, while the Americas will miss out this time. Altogether, over 7 billion people will be in range of at least part of the eclipse, according to Time and Date.

When to look

The eclipse runs from 11:28 a.m. EDT (15:28 GMT) to 4:55 p.m. EDT (20:55 GMT). The highlight is the unusually long 82 minutes of totality, lasting from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT (17:30 to 18:52 GMT).

This eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee, or its closest point to Earth. That makes the moon appear slightly larger than usual, adding to the spectacle.

Viewing tips for tonight

Beat the clouds: Check your local forecast and have a nearby backup spot.
Give it time: The drama builds slowly — plan to watch before, during and after totality.
Low horizon? In parts of Europe, the moon rises already eclipsed. Pick an observing spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
No kit required: Binoculars help with detail, but aren't essential.

Because the moon will sit deep within Earth's umbra — the darkest part of our planet's shadow — expect a rich, dark red hue during totality. Lunar eclipses can vary in brightness depending on Earth's atmosphere, but this one is forecast to be particularly striking.

Editor's note: If you capture a photo of the total lunar eclipse and would like to share it with us, please email it over to spacephotos@space.com along with any comments.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.