South Africans are in for a celestial treat as a rare total lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," is set to grace the skies on Sunday, September 7, 2025. This striking event will be visible across the country, offering a spectacular natural display for skywatchers.
The eclipse will begin at 7:30 PM local time, with totality — the phase where the moon is entirely within Earth's shadow — lasting approximately 82 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse sine 2022. During this period, the moon will take on a deep red hue due to Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight, allowing longer red wavelengths to reach and illuminate the lunar surface, according to science news site The Watchers.
Observers in major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein will have clear skies for viewing, with little to no cloud cover expected. Cape Town, in particular, is forecasted to have mostly clear conditions, providing ideal viewing opportunities from almost anywhere (keep checking the weather for updates on this forecast!). That said, Time Out Cape Town reckons there are a few prime spots to view the lunar eclipse from, such as Signal Hill Sea Point Promenade, Bloubergstrand and Kloof Corner or Lion’s Head trailhead.
This eclipse is the second and final total lunar eclipse of 2025, making it a rare and noteworthy event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Whether you're in Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa, the Blood Moon promises to be a memorable spectacle.
