Ammon News - On Sept. 7 and into the early hours of Sept. 8, the second total lunar eclipse of the year will put on an unforgettable show, painting the moon with a mesmerizing copper-red glow as Earth's shadow dances across its surface.
While it may not be as visually monumental as a solar eclipse, there's something undeniably enchanting about the way a lunar eclipse captures our collective imagination.
Lunar eclipses take place when the moon reaches its peak of fullness, and watching the Earth's shadow slowly eclipse the moon is its own magic.
This celestial phenomenon occurs when Earth is positioned precisely between the moon and the sun, causing Earth's shadow to fall upon the surface of the moon, often turning the moon's surface a reddish hue, according to NASA.
It is believed, however, that the more dust (or clouds) in the atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon appears to be.
In March 2026, a dramatic blood moon lunar eclipse will rise in full view and in our line of sight.
Until then, here's what you need to know about September's total lunar eclipse.
When is the total lunar eclipse?
Depending on where you are on the planet, the lunar eclipse will arrive on Sept. 7-8, occurring throughout the day on Sept. 7, Universal Time.
What time does the total lunar eclipse start?
Beginning on Sept. 7, its prenumbral phase starts at 11:28 a.m. ET, followed by its umbral phase at 12:27 p.m. ET. The eclipse will peak at 2:12 p.m. ET, officially completing at 2:25 p.m. ET.
According to NASA, its totality phase -- when Earth's shadow fully covers the moon -- is expected to last about one hour and 22 minutes, but it will take three hours and 29 minutes for Earth to journey in front of the moon.
As always, be sure to check NASA's eclipse map for the exact timing, per your location on the planet.
What is the path of the total lunar eclipse?
September's total lunar eclipse will be visible to an estimated 5.8 billion people, covering around 71% of the world's population, according to AccuWeather.com.
It will be visible across Antarctica, Australia, Asia, the western Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Europe, the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Africa.
How to view the total lunar eclipse?
If you're lucky to be in the eclipse's line of sight, all you have to do is look up! Unlike solar eclipses, which require special glasses to protect your eyes, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
While binoculars and telescopes enhance views, special equipment is not required.
When is the next total lunar eclipse?
The next total lunar eclipse will take place on March 2-3, 2026, marking the third eclipse in a series of three total lunar eclipses in one lunar year of 354 days.
These celestial events come in groups and are connected to solar eclipses -- September's lunar eclipse is followed by a partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, 2025.
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