Chandra Grahan – September 2025: Date & Visibility
- The total lunar eclipse will occur on the night of September 7-8, 2025, visible across all of India, as well as Asia, Australia, Europe, eastern Africa, and the Indian Ocean region The Times of IndiaThe Economic TimesTime and DateWikipedia.
- Known popularly as a Blood Moon, the Moon will take on a deep red hue as it passes into Earth’s shadow People.comThe Times of IndiaWikipedia.
- This is the final total lunar eclipse of 2025, with the next one expected in March 2026 People.comWikipediaSpace.
⏰ Eclipse Timings in India (IST)
Based on coordinated sources—TimeandDate, DrikPanchang, IMD, and others—the detailed timeline is:
| Eclipse Phase | IST Timing |
|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse Begins | Approximately 8:58 PM, Sept 7 Time and DateEarthSkyWikipedia |
| Partial (Umbra) Begins | 9:57–9:58 PM, Sept 7 Drik PanchangTime and DateWikipedia |
| Totality Begins (U2) | Around 11:00 PM, Sept 7 Time and DateIndia Meteorological DepartmentWikipedia |
| Maximum Eclipse | 11:41–11:42 PM, Sept 7 The Times of IndiaThe Economic TimesWikipedia |
| Totality Ends (U3) | Around 12:22–12:23 AM, Sept 8 Time and DateIndia Meteorological DepartmentWikipedia |
| Partial (Umbra) Ends (U4) | Around 1:14–1:26 AM, Sept 8 The Times of IndiaThe Economic TimesDrik PanchangIndia Meteorological Department |
| Penumbral Eclipse Ends | Around 2:25 AM, Sept 8 Time and DateDrik PanchangWikipedia |
- Total duration of the eclipse spans approx. 3 hours 28–30 minutes, with the totality lasting about 82–83 minutes The Economic TimesThe Times of IndiaWikipediaEarthSkyIndia Meteorological Department.
Sutak Kaal (Inauspicious Period)
- Sutak Kaal, a traditional Hindu observance period during which auspicious activities are avoided, begins about 9 hours before eclipse onset.
- It will start at 12:57 PM IST on September 7 and continue until the eclipse concludes (~1:26 AM on September 8) The Times of IndiaMoneycontrolThe Economic TimesIndia Times Bangla.
Blood Moon Visibility Across India
- The eclipse will be fully visible throughout India—major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Pune will experience all phases www.ndtv.comTime and DateThe Times of IndiaThe Economic Times.
- With clear skies, observers can safely view it with the naked eye—no special equipment required People.comThe Times of India+1.
- Local weather (e.g., overcast or rain) may affect visibility in some regions The Times of India+1.
Why the Moon Turns Red
- During totality, the Earth’s atmosphere filters and bends sunlight—shorter wavelengths scatter out, allowing reddish light to reach and color the Moon—hence the term Blood Moon People.comNavbharat TimesThe Times of India.
Cultural & Religious Significance
- This lunar eclipse coincides with Pitru Paksha, a sacred time for ancestral rites in Hindu culture The Economic TimesSamayam Telugu.
- Traditional guidelines—especially during Sutak Kaal—include avoiding cooking, fasting, refraining from initiating new ventures, and in some traditions, advising pregnant women to take extra precautions India Times BanglaSamayam TeluguThe Times of India.
How to Watch It: Tips for Skywatchers
- Choose locations with clear skies and minimal light pollution—rooftops, open fields, or countryside areas are ideal.
- No special eyewear is needed—just enjoy the unfolding spectacle with naked-eye observation. Telescopes or binoculars can enhance the view People.comThe Times of India.
- Arrive early—by 8:45-9:00 PM—to catch initial penumbral phases and acclimate your eyes to the dark.
- Capture the event via smartphones or DSLRs; many will manage good shots of totality and the red-hued Moon.
Quick Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Night of September 7–8, 2025 |
| Penumbral Start | ~8:58 PM IST |
| Partial (Umbra) Start | ~9:57–9:58 PM IST |
| Totality | ~11:00 PM to ~12:22 AM (approx. 82 min) |
| Moon Red Phase | During totality (“Blood Moon”) |
| Sutak Kaal | ~12:57 PM (Sep 7) to ~1:26 AM (Sep 8) |
| India Visibility | Fully visible across the country |
| Cultural Context | Aligns with Pitru Paksha; includes traditional observances |
