Overview:
Many people worldwide are talking about the Blood Moon associated with next month’s lunar eclipse. However, it’s important to understand what a lunar eclipse is. In addition, what is so unique about this upcoming one, and why will there be what people call a Blood Moon?
It’s a Blood Moon tonight! Some people may have never heard the Moon referenced that way. However, next month, the Moon will represent this statement as the second lunar eclipse of 2025 occurs. However, this lunar eclipse will stand out among others.
The relevance of the Moon and aspects of astronomy are things that many people arguably don’t acknowledge much. The upcoming lunar eclipse that will be occurring next month is going to be distinct among these occurrences, as people will not only view a ‘Blood Moon’, but they will also be experiencing an occurrence that is unique among astrological events.
What is a Lunar Eclipse?
NASA says that a lunar eclipse is a part of a series of eclipses that involves the stage when “the Earth’s shadow obscures the Moon.”
What Causes A Lunar Eclipse?
According to NASA, lunar eclipses occur at the phase known as ‘full moon’ whereby “when Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and the Sun, Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon, dimming it.”
Significance of Viewing Lunar Eclipses
Fun Spectacles
It’s well known that many people enjoy seeing visual spectacles. Worldwide, annual firework displays attract the attention of thousands of individuals. In addition, certain types of musical concerts and stage shows have pyrotechnics, large-screen images, and various other aspects that are appealing to the eye. You could also make the case that many movies and TV shows, with their digital graphics and costumes, make for a fun experience to watch. However, things like lunar eclipses arguably don’t get noticed by some, which is a shame. They are very much worth seeing, not just because of their rarity but also due to their natural images that are both beautiful and exhilarating.
Global Event
Lunar eclipses are a global event, meaning people worldwide are taking part in their viewing. There’s something special about knowing you are a part of something that millions of individuals, thousands of miles across the globe from you, are also experiencing. Certainly not to say that other events and occasions have their significance, but there’s just not the same feeling attending an occasion that is frequented by only a tiny segment of society, unlike a lunar eclipse that involves everyone.
You Don’t Have to Wear ‘Special Glasses’
Unlike certain events, lunar eclipses are safe to view. Some people associate lunar eclipses with solar eclipses. However, the two are different in regard to both their very being and how they are literally viewed by people. To view a solar eclipse, one is required to use a unique type of glasses. With lunar eclipses, one doesn’t have to worry about that. According to NASA, during a lunar eclipse, “it is safe to look at the Moon with unprotected eyes or through a telescope.”
You Can View a Lunar Eclipse Virtually
If you can’t catch the next month’s lunar eclipse virtually, there‘s no need to worry. Various organizations will be livestreaming it for your viewing pleasure. If by chance, you can’t view it virtually, many of the groups that are live-streaming it will provide a recorded video.
Provides an Educational Experience
A lunar eclipse viewing is a very educational experience. As mentioned, things concerning the galaxy and atmosphere sometimes get overlooked by the layperson. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), “lunar eclipses have long played an important role in understanding Earth and its motions in space.”
‘Entire Eclipses’ Can be Viewed Over a Period Of Hours
A lunar eclipse is a part of an entire eclipse. NASA’s data indicates that some entire eclipses can last several hours. Look at it this way, a firework display only lasts for 30 minutes. Also, some concerts and stage shows can be over after two hours. However, some eclipse events can last much longer. This gives people ample time to be able to catch a glimpse of history, even if it may not be the lunar eclipse phase. However, even the duration of the lunar eclipse phase happening next month is one of the things that makes next month’s occurence significant.
Significance of the Upcoming Lunar Eclipse
- ‘Total’ Lunar Eclipse
Arguably, the greatest overall significance of the upcoming lunar eclipse that makes it stand out is the fact that it is a total lunar eclipse. Total lunar eclipses occur less frequently than other lunar eclipses. Also, they showcase what is called by many a ‘Blood Moon.’
- Blood Moon
The Blood Moon that many associate with the upcoming lunar eclipse is caused by various circumstances. As mentioned, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow conceals the Moon. NASA indicates that the ‘Blood Moon,’ which becomes visible from a total lunar eclipse, happens because as sunlight is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere, “colors with shorter wavelengths-the blues and violets-scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, like red and orange.” This, therefore, makes the Moon appear reddish or orangish.
How long? Where?
- Duration
The moon eclipse will last a good while. According to NASA, next month’s astrological event will last 1 hour and 22 minutes, and this duration for this total lunar eclipse will not be exceeded until June 26th, 2029.
- Geographical Visibility
The areas of the world in which this lunar eclipse will be visible also make this astrological event stand out. NASA indicated that this lunar eclipse will be visible to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Even if you are on a continent not listed, you can still view it via virtual livestream.’
Get Ready for an Extraordinary Event
You can see the Blood Moon on September 7th. For information concerning times and to view the livestream, go to https://www.timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-lunar-2025-september-7. This is a global event that stands out among other types of lunar eclipses. Get ready to experience the Earth as it ‘Paints the Moon Red.’
Resources:
https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEdecade/LEdecade2021.html
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses
https://www.timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-lunar-2025-september-7
