South Africans were treated to a breathtaking celestial show on the night of Sunday, 7 September 2025, as the skies lit up with a spectacular Blood Moon. The rare total lunar eclipse, visible across much of the country, transformed the familiar silver orb into a glowing red spectacle, drawing thousands of stargazers outdoors to witness the phenomenon.

From cities to small towns, families, photographers, and astronomy enthusiasts gathered under clear skies to watch the Moon slowly slip into Earth’s shadow. As the eclipse reached totality, the Moon glowed in hues of deep orange and coppery red, earning its title as one of the most dramatic lunar events of the decade.

What made this Eclipse special

While total lunar eclipses occur on average once every two to three years somewhere in the world, not every region is lucky enough to experience them in their full glory. The Blood Moon of 7 September 2025 stood out for several reasons:

Extraordinary length: The Moon glowed red for around 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade.

Wide visibility: Billions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia had the chance to watch — with South Africa enjoying prime conditions right after sunset.

Deep colour: Because the Moon passed through the darkest central part of Earth’s shadow (the umbra), the eclipse produced a rich crimson glow rarely seen in shorter eclipses.

The last similar eclipse visible in South Africa was in May 2022, but it wasn’t nearly as long or vivid. The next comparable spectacle won’t arrive until 2029 — meaning this year’s Blood Moon was truly a once-in-several-years event for local skywatchers.

If you missed this one, don’t worry — more lunar events are on the horizon in the coming years. But for those who witnessed the Blood Moon of 7 September 2025, it will remain etched in memory as a magical night when the ordinary Moon became extraordinary.

Photos by Christa Eybers/HOT 1027