September 7: One of the Year’s Greatest Celestial Events

On the night of September 7, 2025, the Moon will slip completely into Earth’s shadow, creating a total lunar eclipse visible from Portugal. It will be the second lunar eclipse of the year—but also the longest, with the phase of totality lasting about 82 minutes.

Lunar eclipses always occur during a full moon, but not every full moon produces one. In 2025, there will be two total lunar eclipses: the first took place on March 14, and the second will unfold in September. Both are highlights on this year’s astronomical calendar.

Even more exciting is what follows in 2026: on August 12, Portugal will witness a total solar eclipse—a far rarer and more dramatic spectacle, when day briefly turns to night. Until then, September’s lunar eclipse offers the perfect warm-up for skywatchers eager to experience the cosmic dance of Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Why Lunar Eclipses Don’t Happen Every Month

Although the Moon orbits Earth once a month, lunar eclipses are far from monthly events. For one to occur, the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be precisely aligned—something that only happens during specific “eclipse seasons.”

When this alignment coincides with a full moon, Earth’s shadow falls on the lunar surface. That shadow has two parts: the penumbra, where sunlight is only partially blocked, and the umbra, the dark central zone. A total eclipse happens when the Moon is fully immersed in the umbra.

What makes the event truly striking is the Moon’s transformation into a glowing reddish orb—the so-called “Blood Moon.” Instead of disappearing, the Moon is illuminated indirectly by sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere. The same scattering that turns sunsets red gives the eclipsed Moon its fiery glow.

Because several factors—such as Earth-Moon distance—must align, total lunar eclipses are relatively rare. When they are visible from Portugal, they always become memorable nights for skywatchers.

September 7, 2025 — How and When to Watch in Portugal

Although this eclipse is total, it won’t be visible from Portugal in its entirety. The phenomenon begins in the afternoon, before moonrise. By the time the Moon rises—around 19:55 (local time)—it will already be in Earth’s shadow, glowing red near the horizon. This makes for a particularly dramatic view and an excellent opportunity for photography.

Here are the key stages of the eclipse (times in WEST):

Phase Time

Penumbral eclipse begins 16:28

Partial eclipse begins 17:27

Totality begins 18:30

Maximum eclipse 19:12

Totality ends 19:52

Partial eclipse ends 20:56

Penumbral eclipse ends 21:55

From mainland Portugal, the view will be especially favorable: totality occurs at a comfortable evening hour, and the reddish Moon will rise already immersed in shadow.

Tools for Planning Your Observation

For those who want to prepare in detail, the AstroPlanner platform (developed by APEXSKIES) allows you to simulate the sky in real time and track the Moon’s position throughout the eclipse. Whether observing with the naked eye, photographing, or using a telescope, this tool ensures the best possible experience.

Eclipse enthusiasts may also enjoy the detailed diagrams created by astronomer Fred Espenak, a world-renowned expert in eclipse predictions, which clearly map the Moon’s path through Earth’s shadow during the event.

An Invitation to Look Up

The total lunar eclipse of September 7 is more than just an astronomical alignment—it is an invitation to pause, look upward, and marvel at the rhythms of the cosmos. No special equipment is required: a clear sky and curiosity are enough.

Still, the experience can be enriched. Binoculars will reveal the Moon’s features in sharper detail, while telescopes and cameras offer even more opportunities to capture the spectacle.

As we look ahead to the total solar eclipse of 2026, this year’s lunar eclipse serves as a beautiful preview—a reminder that the dance of the Sun, Earth, and Moon offers us free, unforgettable performances.

On September 7, step outside, raise your eyes to the horizon, and let nature do the rest.