Sri Lankans will soon have a rare chance to witness the spectacular celestial phenomenon known as the “Blood Moon,” said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Head of the Department of Physics and Director of the Astronomy and Space Science Unit at the University of Colombo, and Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies.
The total lunar eclipse will take place on 7th of September 2025, when the Moon will turn a deep red hue for 82 minutes, creating a breathtaking sight in the night sky. This will be the last total lunar eclipse of the year and will be visible to nearly 85% of the global population, including Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa, with Sri Lanka offering some of the clearest views.
Prof. Jayaratne explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the full Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. The eclipse will transform the Moon’s silvery glow into a striking reddish shade, commonly called a “Blood Moon.”
The key timings for Sri Lanka are as follows:
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:58 p.m.
Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:57 p.m.
Total Eclipse Begins: 11:01 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 11:42 p.m.
Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 a.m. (Sept. 8)
Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:26 a.m. (Sept. 8)
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 2:25 a.m. (Sept. 8)
The totality phase will last for 1 hour and 22 minutes, while the entire eclipse will span 5 hours and 27 minutes.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. Viewers in Sri Lanka will be able to observe every stage of the event, provided skies remain clear.
The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies is planning a live webcast, while the University of Colombo Astronomical Society will host a public night sky observation camp and photography session at the university playgrounds starting at 7:30 p.m. on 7th of September . However, Prof. Jayaratne advised the public to check the Society’s website for updates and to avoid traveling to the site if the skies are cloudy.
