Longest Lunar Eclipse of decade: Everything you need to know about Chandra Grahan 2025
Don't miss the rare Chandra Grahan 2025! On 7 September, a total lunar eclipse will paint the moon red for 82 minutes, visible to nearly 7 billion people across the world. Discover why this blood moon is so special, timings in India and globally, and its cultural and spiritual significance during Pitru Paksha.
New Delhi: Next week, the beautiful sky is ready to stage a breathtaking show as the silver moon changes its colour to glowing red. The total lunar eclipse is set to mesmerise more than 7 billion people around the world on 7 September 2025. This spectacle can be viewed by people from Asia and Africa to the Americas and Oceania.
This historic blood moon moment, also known as Chandra Grahan, is a global event that will bring together astronomers, photographers, and even sky gazers. What makes this celestial event of 2025 is the 82-minute-long duration and nearly global visibility of the lunar eclipse. Keep reading as we discover why this Chandra Grahan 2025 is so special, what a blood moon is, and the visibility timings of the lunar eclipse.
What makes Chandra Grahan 2025 so special?
Whenever there is a lunar eclipse, most of the times, it is only visible partially to a particular region or country. But this upcoming lunar eclipse in September 2025 has a global visibility. Around 7 billion people will have the opportunity to witness this magical celestial event from their terraces and the whole world can watch it virtually.
Moreover, astronomers highlight the fact that the high visibility range of lunar eclipse 2025 is rare. It also combines with perfect timing, moon elevation, and favourable geographic range. They have also emphasised on the fact that this kind of chandra grahan may not even occur for next few decades which make the total lunar eclipse 2025 an once-in-a-generation event.
What is a Lunar Ecilpse actually?
September 2025 is a total lunar eclipse which occurs only when the Earth perfectly aligns between the sun and the moon. This allows to cast its central shadow also known as umbra across the lunar surface. As a result, the moon glows in shades of red and orange as sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere, filtering out blue wavelengths.
Chandra Grahan 2025: Date and timings
The total lunar eclipse happening on 7 September 2025 will be visible for several hours this time. Skywatchers and astronomers will have ample amount of time to enjoy the spectacular celestial event. The highlight of the event is its totality, when the moon is visible as a glowing red orb will last for 82 minutes. This span of visibility is very rare and one of the longest total lunar eclipses in the recent memory. Check below for exact timings so that you do not miss out!
| Eclipse Phase | UTC Timings | IST Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse begins | 15:42 UTC | 9:12 PM IST |
| Partial eclipse begins | 16:39 UTC | 10:09 PM IST |
| Total eclipse begins (blood moon) | 17:31 UTC | 11:01 PM IST |
| Maximum eclipse | 18:11 UTC | 11:41 PM IST |
| Total eclipse ends | 18:52 UTC | 12:22 AM IST (September 8) |
| Partial Eclipse ends | 19:44 UTC | 1:14 AM IST |
| Penumbral eclipse ends | 20:41 UTC | 2:11 AM IST |
Lunar Eclipse 2025: How to watch this celestial event
While the lunar eclipse 2025 can be watched from our terraces without any specific equipment, but being prepared beforehand can help you spot the blood moon 2025 and make this experience unforgettable.
- Find a dark sky spot near your locality with minimal lights and hurdles.
- Arrive early in the spot so that you do not miss the transition of the moon to a blood moon.
- Although not necessary, get binoculars or a telescope to observe the fine details of the moon's surface and colour gradients.
- The lunar eclipse of September 2025 will last for 82 minutes, so be comfortable and keep all the necessities like water beside you.
- If you do not have a clear view of the sky or the whether in your region is not good, tune into online channels which will broadcast this rare lunar eclipse minute by minute.
Chandra Grahan 2025: Sutak period and cultural significance
The lunar eclipse 2025 is taking place during Pitru Paksha, a time for ancestor worship. During this period, people conduct Shradh and puja at their homes to attain the blessings from their ancestors.
Sutak Kaal is the inauspicious time period observed before and during an eclipse. Indians believe that the sutak kaal starts before 9 hours before the lunar eclipse. During sutak kaal, it is believed not to drink, eat, cook, or start anything auspicious. Spiritual books, religious gurus, and astrologers strongly suggest to perform all the significant rituals before the sutak kaal starts.
The Chandra Grahan of September 2025 is more than just a celestial spectacle — it is a rare astronomical wonder that unites science, spirituality, and culture. With its long duration, nearly global visibility, and cultural importance during Pitru Paksha, the lunar eclipse offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the universe’s beauty. Whether viewed from terraces, through telescopes, or online streams, this blood moon promises to be a breathtaking memory for millions worldwide.