Urooj Niazi 
how and where to witness the rare total lunar eclipse in asia
On September 7, 2025, the night sky will stage one of its most dramatic spectacles,a total lunar eclipse, also called a Blood Moon due to the moon’s eerie red glow during totality. This will be the second total lunar eclipse of the year, and skywatchers across Asia and Western Australia are in for the best views.
But what exactly turns the full moon red? And how can you witness it from Asia? Here’s everything you need to know about this astronomical event.
What Is a Blood Moon?
A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. As the moon moves into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow (the umbra), sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue wavelengths and allows red light to reach the moon.
The result? The moon glows in varying shades of crimson, copper, or deep orange, creating the “blood-red” effect.
This phenomenon doesn’t happen often,typically 1 to 3 times a year, but not all eclipses are total. A total lunar eclipse is rarer and more spectacular, lasting longer and delivering a deeper red hue depending on atmospheric conditions like dust, smoke, or volcanic activity.
Lunar Eclipse Timing on September 7, 2025
The total eclipse will occur between 17:30 and 18:52 GMT, with the full eclipse event stretching from 15:28 to 20:55 GMT.
For viewers in Asia, this means the eclipse will occur late on the night of September 7 or in the early hours of September 8, depending on your time zone.
Where to See the Blood Moon in Asia
Skywatchers across most of Asia will enjoy full visibility of the total lunar eclipse, especially in regions where the moon will be high above the horizon. Below is a list of major cities and countries across Asia and their local times for the totality phase of the eclipse:
Total Lunar Eclipse – Asia Viewing Times
| Country / City | Totality (Local Time) |
| Mumbai, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
| Delhi, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
| Bengaluru, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
| Kolkata, India | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. IST (Sept 7–8) |
| Karachi, Pakistan | 10:30 p.m. – 11:52 p.m. PKT (Sept 7) |
| Islamabad, Pakistan | 10:30 p.m. – 11:52 p.m. PKT (Sept 7) |
| Kathmandu, Nepal | 11:15 p.m. – 12:37 a.m. NPT (Sept 7–8) |
| Dhaka, Bangladesh | 11:30 p.m. – 12:52 a.m. BST (Sept 7–8) |
| Colombo, Sri Lanka | 11:00 p.m. – 12:22 a.m. SLST (Sept 7–8) |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. ICT (Sept 8) |
| Hanoi, Vietnam | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. ICT (Sept 8) |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. MYT (Sept 8) |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | 12:00 a.m. – 1:22 a.m. WIB (Sept 8) |
| Manila, Philippines | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. PST (Sept 8) |
| Singapore | 1:00 a.m. – 2:22 a.m. SGT (Sept 8) |
| Beijing, China | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
| Shanghai, China | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
| Hong Kong | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. HKT (Sept 8) |
| Tokyo, Japan | 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m. JST (Sept 8) |
| Seoul, South Korea | 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m. KST (Sept 8) |
| Taipei, Taiwan | 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. CST (Sept 8) |
Approximately 77% of the world’s population,about 6.2 billion people,will be able to see at least part of the eclipse. If you’re in Asia and have a clear sky, all you need is your eyes (or a pair of binoculars for extra detail) and a good vantage point away from city lights.
For those outside the viewing zone, the eclipse will be livestreamed globally, so you can still witness the red moon from wherever you are.
Whether you’re a stargazer, casual skywatcher, or simply curious, this celestial event is not to be missed. Set a reminder, find a dark spot, and prepare to watch Earth’s shadow paint the moon blood-red, a humbling reminder of the wonders beyond our world.
