Stargazers across the globe are preparing for one of the most spectacular lunar eclipses in recent memory, as a rare Super Blood Moon will grace the skies tomorrow 7 September 2025. The extraordinary celestial event will be visible to nearly 6 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most widely observed total lunar eclipses in history.
The eclipse will unfold over 5 hours and 27 minutes, featuring an exceptionally long totality phase of 82 minutes during which the Moon will be completely immersed in Earth’s shadow. During this mesmerizing period, our natural satellite will transform into a dramatic Blood Moon, glowing in striking shades of deep red and copper that have captivated humanity for millennia.
Africa and Europe get premium viewing conditions. For those of us in Putney, the viewing experience will be dramatic but challenging. The Moon will rise at 7:30 PM BST already in totality, appearing as a Blood Moon on the eastern horizon just as the Sun sets. However, London will only catch the final 22 minutes of the 82-minute totality phase, as the eclipse’s total phase ends at 7:52 PM BST.
What it does mean though is that will witness the spectacular sight of a red Moon rising above the horizon – a pretty rare experience.
Asia and Australia will witness the celestial show during late night hours extending into the early morning of September 8. Unfortunately, North and South America will miss this particular eclipse, as the Moon will be below the horizon during the event.
What makes this eclipse special
Adding to the eclipse’s allure is its timing relative to the Moon’s orbit. The event occurs just 2.6 days before perigee – the point when the Moon reaches its closest approach to Earth. This proximity means the Moon will appear slightly larger than usual during the eclipse, while also creating conditions for the Moon to appear darker and more dramatically coloured during totality.
This combination of factors classifies the event as a “Super Blood Moon,” a relatively rare occurrence that adds extra visual impact to an already stunning natural phenomenon.
During totality, the Moon doesn’t disappear entirely but instead takes on its characteristic reddish hue. This occurs because Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, allowing primarily red wavelengths to reach the Moon’s surface even when it’s in our planet’s shadow. The same atmospheric effect that creates red sunrises and sunsets paints the eclipsed Moon in its dramatic copper and crimson tones.
Weather outlook for Putney
The Met Office forecast for Sunday evening shows “sunny intervals changing to partly cloudy by early evening” for the London area, with temperatures around 21°C (69°F) during the day dropping to 13°C (55°F) by evening. Crucially for eclipse watchers, “the clearest skies for viewing the blood moon are most likely across the southwest and parts of Eastern England”—placing us in a favourable position.
For the best viewing experience in Putney, find a location with an unobstructed view toward the east-southeast horizon, as the eclipsed Moon will appear quite low in the sky.
Viewing tips for observers
You don’t need no special equipment to enjoy the eclipse and it’s completely safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses. However, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the experience by revealing surface details and colour variations across the Moon’s face.
Specifically: Position yourself by 7:25 PM BST with a clear view of the east-southeast horizon. The eclipsed Moon will rise already glowing red at 7:30 PM, appearing quite low in the sky. While you’ll miss most of the eclipse, witnessing a Blood Moon rise above the London skyline will be an extraordinary sight. The total eclipse phase will end at 7:52 PM, after which you can watch the partial eclipse continue until 8:56 PM as Earth’s shadow gradually moves off the lunar surface.
Weather permitting, observers should find locations with clear eastern horizons for the best viewing experience. The eclipse begins with a subtle dimming that gradually intensifies until the Moon enters totality and transforms into the iconic Blood Moon.
