Blood Moon Captivates Skies Across India as Millions Witness Rare Total Lunar Eclipse
New Delhi | Sept 08, 2025 A breathtaking celestial spectacle lit up the night sky on Sunday as millions of people across India witnessed the rare “Blood Moon” total lunar eclipse. The event, last visible in India in 2018, turned the moon a striking shade of red, drawing astronomy enthusiasts, families, and casual skywatchers alike to open spaces, planetariums, and rooftops across the country. Skywatchers Gather Nationwide From New Delhi to Chennai, and from Lucknow to Noida, crowds assembled with telescopes, cameras, and smartphones to capture the phenomenon. At the Nehru Planetarium in Delhi, families gathered for live viewings, while in Chennai, children peered through telescopes as the Earth’s shadow slowly engulfed the moon. In Lucknow, the eclipse reached its dramatic peak, when the moon glowed a deep crimson due to Rayleigh scattering—an effect caused by the bending of light through the Earth’s atmosphere. Global Appeal The total lunar eclipse was not confined to India alone. It was visible across large parts of Asia, as well as in regions of Europe and Africa. Astronomy clubs and observatories across the globe organised watch parties, livestreams, and educational sessions to mark the occasion, transforming the eclipse into a global moment of shared wonder. Phases of the Eclipse The moon displayed multiple phases during the course of the evening, keeping skygazers captivated for hours. The eclipse began as a subtle shadow, then gradually darkened the moon’s surface before revealing the blood-red hue at totality. Photographers and hobbyists rushed to capture the rare sight, with images from different corners of the country flooding social media platforms. Cultural and Scientific Significance While for scientists the lunar eclipse was an opportunity to engage the public with astronomy, for many others it carried cultural and emotional resonance. In India, celestial events like eclipses often inspire rituals, stories, and community gatherings. This year’s Blood Moon coincided with clear skies in many regions, making it particularly memorable. What’s Next For those who missed Sunday night’s show, the wait will be long. The next total lunar eclipse visible in India—the next Blood Moon—is expected on December 31, 2028. Until then, skywatchers will have to be content with partial eclipses and other celestial events. The 2025 Blood Moon, however, has already etched itself into the memories of millions who gazed skyward to witness Earth’s shadow cast across its closest celestial neighbour. Blood Moon Mesmerizes India’s Night Sky Millions across India witnessed a rare celestial event on Sunday night as the “Blood Moon” total lunar eclipse turned the sky into a spectacle. From Delhi and Noida to Lucknow and Chennai, astronomy enthusiasts, families, and photographers gathered with telescopes and cameras to capture the crimson glow. The moon’s deep red color was caused by Rayleigh scattering, making the sight both scientific and magical. The eclipse was also visible in parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. For stargazers, the next Blood Moon visible in India will be on December 31, 2028, marking another date to look forward to.
