'Blood Moon' Stuns Skywatchers Across India | Total Lunar Eclipse 2025 | Chandra Grahan 2025
On the night of September 7–8, 2025, India was treated to a celestial spectacle that captivated millions—a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon or Chandra Grahan. As the Moon passed through Earth’s shadow, it transformed into a striking coppery-red hue, leaving skywatchers across the country in awe. Visible from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai, this rare event, one of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade, lasted for 82 minutes and united astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and spiritual observers under a mesmerizing night sky. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chandra Grahan 2025 and why it was such a breathtaking phenomenon.
The Science Behind the Blood Moon
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse is safe to observe with the naked eye. The Moon’s iconic red glow, often called the Blood Moon, is caused by a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths are scattered, while longer red and orange wavelengths bend and reach the Moon, bathing it in a dramatic crimson hue—the same effect that creates vibrant sunsets.
The Chandra Grahan 2025 was particularly striking because the Moon passed deep into Earth’s umbral shadow, resulting in a richer, darker red color. According to BS Shylaja, former director of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, the Moon’s appearance can vary based on atmospheric conditions like dust or pollution, which can enhance or mute the red glow.
Timings and Visibility in India
The lunar eclipse unfolded over several hours, with the following key timings (in India Standard Time, IST) as reported by the Astronomical Society of India and other sources:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:58 PM, September 7, 2025
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:57 PM, September 7, 2025
- Total Eclipse Begins: 11:00 PM, September 7, 2025
- Maximum Eclipse: 11:41 PM, September 7, 2025
- Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 AM, September 8, 2025
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:26 AM, September 8, 2025
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 2:25 AM, September 8, 2025
The entire event lasted over five hours, with the totality phase—when the Moon was fully immersed in Earth’s shadow—lasting an impressive 82 minutes. This made it one of the longest total lunar eclipses since 2022, offering ample time for observation. The eclipse was visible across all of India, from Ladakh to Tamil Nadu, and in other regions including Asia, Europe, eastern Africa, and Australia. However, North and South America missed out, as the Moon had set below the horizon during the event.
Despite cloudy skies and monsoon rains in some areas, such as parts of Mumbai and Bengaluru, enthusiasts gathered in open spaces like rooftops, terraces, and fields to catch glimpses of the Blood Moon. Organizations like the SPACE Foundation in Delhi and the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) set up telescopes and high-resolution cameras, while live streams by astronomy groups worldwide ensured no one missed the spectacle.
A Cultural and Spiritual Event
In India, lunar eclipses hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Known as Chandra Grahan, the event is often associated with rituals and superstitions. Many temples, such as the Tirumala Temple, closed during the eclipse, and the Sutak period—a time of spiritual caution—began at 12:57 PM IST on September 7. Traditional practices include avoiding cooking, eating, or making major decisions during the eclipse, and some add Tulsi leaves to food for purification. Vastu experts suggest chanting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” or lighting incense to restore energy balance post-eclipse.
Interestingly, certain temples, such as the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, remained open, continuing rituals like pind daan and special prayers, defying common traditions. Astrologically, the Chandra Grahan in Aquarius was believed to influence emotions, relationships, and health, with varying effects across zodiac signs.
Capturing the Moment
The Blood Moon provided a golden opportunity for photographers. Tips shared by experts included using a tripod, manual focus, and long exposures (1–5 seconds) with ISO settings of 400–800 to capture the Moon’s red gradient. Smartphones, when stabilized, also produced stunning results. Social media platforms lit up with images and videos, with posts from ANI and Night Sky Today showcasing the eclipse’s progression in cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and Jaipur.
Why This Eclipse Was Special
The Chandra Grahan 2025 stood out for several reasons:
- Duration: The 82-minute totality made it one of the longest lunar eclipses of the decade, offering extended viewing time.
- Visibility: Nearly 85% of the world’s population could see at least part of the eclipse, making it one of the most accessible celestial events in years.
- Corn Moon Coincidence: The eclipse coincided with the Corn Moon, the traditional harvest full moon of September, adding to its visual appeal.
- Global Unity: From Japan to Europe, skywatchers across continents shared the experience, with special viewing sessions in places like Chennai, where ten public locations facilitated gatherings.
Looking Ahead
The Chandra Grahan 2025 was the last total lunar eclipse of the year, and India won’t witness another until March 3, 2026. For those who missed it, the event’s live streams and photographs continue to circulate, preserving the magic of the Blood Moon. As NASA noted, “No matter where you are, you can learn how eclipses work,” encouraging enthusiasts to explore the science behind these awe-inspiring events.
Conclusion
The Blood Moon of September 7–8, 2025, was more than just an astronomical event—it was a moment of wonder that brought together science, culture, and community. From the vibrant red glow to the shared excitement across India and beyond, the Chandra Grahan 2025 reminded us of the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. Whether you watched from a rooftop in Delhi, a field in Gujarat, or a live stream online, this celestial spectacle left an indelible mark, uniting skywatchers in a shared appreciation of nature’s grandeur.
Sources: Hindustan Times, The Times of India, Times Now, NASA, India.com
