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Another month, another full moon – but September’s ‘blood moon’ is anything but ordinary. In the early hours of September 8, a total lunar eclipse will paint Australian skies in an eerie reddish hue for 82 mystical minutes. This full moon is a big deal: not only is it the second and final total lunar eclipse of the year, but Australia’s also tipped to have its best ‘blood moon’ viewing of the decade. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the last total lunar eclipse of 2025.
When is the next total lunar eclipse?
The total lunar eclipse will begin late at night on Sunday, September 7, but will reach full totality in Australian skies in the early hours of Monday, September 8. Those in Western Australia will score the best views, with the entire eclipse visible from start to finish. But don’t worry, East Coast skywatchers should still be able to see most of the eclipse phases, including the highly anticipated moment of totality. This spellbinding stage of totality will last 82 minutes, with the full eclipse stretching across roughly five hours. Here’s when full totality will start and end in Australia’s capital cities:
- Adelaide – 3am to 4.22am (peaks at 3.41am)
- Brisbane – 3.30am to 4.52am (peaks at 4.11am)
- Canberra – 3.30am to 4.52am (peaks at 4.11am)
- Darwin – 3am to 4.22am (peaks at 3.41am)
- Hobart – 3.30am to 4.52am (peaks at 4.11am)
- Melbourne – 3.30am to 4.52am (peaks at 4.11am)
- Perth – 1.30am to 2.52am (peaks at 2.11am)
- Sydney – 3.30am to 4.52am (peaks at 4.11am)
You can find exact details of when the total lunar eclipse will be visible in your city on TimeAndDate.com.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn’t happen every month because it depends on the moon’s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on an eerie reddish glow. That haunting hue is what’s earned it the name ‘blood moon’.
How to see the blood moon in Australia?
Unlike other celestial events, total lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. You won’t need any special gear, but binoculars or telescopes will enhance your view.
For the clearest view of the blood moon, head to a high vantage point with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Ideally, this should also be a dark place away from artificial light, allowing you to witness the full crimson glow. If you're keen to see the blood moon in all its glory, these are the best stargazing spots in Australia.
When is the next lunar eclipse in Australia?
If you miss this eclipse, don't fret. A partial solar eclipse will follow just two weeks later on September 21, 2025. But the next full total lunar eclipse won’t be until March 3, 2026.