Public encouraged to witness the rare celestial event safely
Bengaluru, Karnataka – September 2025:
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across India, including Karnataka, on the night of 7 September 2025. The event, observable with the naked eye, will showcase the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun in a rare astronomical spectacle. The Platform of Astronomy Communicators of Karnataka (PACK) has urged the public to step outdoors with family and friends to witness the phenomenon.
What Happens During an Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. The shadow has two parts: the umbra, a darker region, and the penumbra, a lighter one. When the Moon moves completely into the umbra, it glows red or coppery, commonly known as the “blood moon,” caused by Earth’s atmosphere bending red wavelengths of sunlight onto the Moon.
Key Timings (IST)
Penumbral phase begins: 8:58 PM
Partial eclipse begins: 9:57 PM
Total eclipse: 11:01 PM – 12:23 AM (82 minutes)
Partial eclipse ends: 1:26 AM
Penumbral phase ends: 2:25 AM
Safe to View
The eclipse is completely safe to watch without special equipment, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the view. Astronomers stress that eclipses are natural events, long understood since Aryabhata’s time, and not harmful—contrary to myths that have sometimes led to unsafe practices.
Public Events & Livestream
Residents are encouraged to watch from open terraces or backyards. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics will livestream the event from Bengaluru, Ladakh, and Kodaikanal, while the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru, will host public viewing.
More details and livestream link: https://bit.ly/astropack
Next Eclipse
The next total lunar eclipse visible from India will occur on 31 December 2028.
For more information contact:
Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Indian Institute of Astrophysics
7798680084 | p@iap.res.in
B.R. Guruprasad, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
9448397700 | director@taralaya.org
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