Millions of Australians will have the rare opportunity to witness a “blood moon” on Monday, 8th of September visible from most parts of the country in the early hours of the morning.
The last blood moon, which occurred in March 2025, was only briefly visible in Australian skies, leaving many to miss the striking event. This time, Australians will have a clearer and longer chance to see it.
A “blood moon” is a term used to describe the reddish glow of the moon during a total lunar eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, it can be viewed safely without eye protection. The phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight. However, some light filters through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to reach the moon, creating its eerie red and orange hue.
The eclipse will begin around 3.30 a.m. in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Hobart; 3.00 a.m. in Adelaide and Darwin; and 1.30 a.m. in Perth. The maximum eclipse will occur approximately 45 minutes later, painting the moon its deepest red.
This is the second blood moon of 2025, following the brief March event, and the next won’t be visible until March 2026. For the best view, Australians are advised to watch from a high vantage point with minimal light pollution and clear skies.
