Total Lunar Eclipse 2025: Blood Moon Mesmerizes UAE Skywatchers

Skywatchers across the UAE were treated to a stunning celestial display on Sunday evening as a rare total lunar eclipse turned the Moon a deep red, creating the dramatic phenomenon known as the Blood Moon.

The eclipse unfolded as the Moon passed through Earth’s shadow, progressing through a series of phases that lasted more than five hours. At the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai, over 250 people gathered to witness the event, organized by the Dubai Astronomy Group. The event featured six main telescopes and several additional setups, offering attendees an up-close view of the spectacle.

Observers were able to watch the Moon shift through various stages of the eclipse, beginning with a subtle penumbral dimming at 7:28pm GST. By 9:30pm, the Moon had entered full eclipse and took on its iconic reddish hue.

This Blood Moon was visible to an estimated 87% of the global population, including regions in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. The eclipse peaked at 10:12pm, with totality lasting until 10:53pm. The Moon remained fully eclipsed for 82 minutes—making this one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years. The event concluded just before 1:00am on Monday.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Instead of going completely dark, the Moon glows red due to Earth’s atmosphere scattering sunlight. Blue wavelengths are filtered out, while red and orange tones bend around the Earth and illuminate the Moon—creating the Blood Moon effect.

The phenomenon is safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars and telescopes provide an enhanced experience.

Looking Ahead: The Next Eclipse

For those who missed this remarkable event, the wait for the next lunar eclipse visible from the UAE will be a bit long. A partial lunar eclipse is expected on July 6, 2028, followed by a rare total eclipse on December 31, 2028—offering a unique New Year’s Eve skywatching opportunity.