September 5, 2025, 3:02 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
On the evening of September 7, 2025, a very special natural phenomenon will occur. It will be a total lunar eclipse, meaning the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow. During this time, many places will experience what’s known as a blood moon. TRAVELBOOK provides all the details.
The last blood moon was visible over Germany in March of this year. On September 7, there will be another opportunity to observe this special natural event. A total lunar eclipse, and consequently a blood moon, can only occur during a full moon, which is why it is relatively rare.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon fully enters the Earth’s shadow, blocking the direct sunlight that normally illuminates it. Depending on the type of shadowing, different forms of lunar eclipses are distinguished. If the moon enters the Earth’s umbra fully or partially, it is called a total or partial umbral eclipse. If the moon remains in the Earth’s penumbra, it is a penumbral eclipse, which is less noticeable.
How a blood moon forms
A blood moon can only occur during a total lunar eclipse. Instead of disappearing, it appears reddish. The red coloration occurs because sunlight is refracted in the Earth’s atmosphere, filtering out short-wavelength blue light. As a result, only long-wavelength red light reaches the moon. Due to this coloration, a total lunar eclipse is also referred to as a “blood moon.” This phenomenon can only occur during a full moon, making it possible up to 13 times a year.
Where to observe the blood moon in Germany
On Sunday, September 7, it’s worth looking up at the sky in the evening. According to ARD alpha, the total lunar eclipse and thus the blood moon will be visible across Asia, Europe, and Africa–weather permitting. ARD alpha provides the following times for the spectacle (based on the location Munich):
7:31 p.m.: Start of totality
7:40 p.m.: Moonrise
7:43 p.m.: Sunset
8:12 p.m.: Maximum of the total lunar eclipse
8:53 p.m.: End of totality
9:56 p.m.: End of umbra exit
10:55 p.m.: End of penumbra exit
The next total lunar eclipse, according to ARD alpha, will not occur until December 31, 2028, and will also be visible from Germany.