Tonight, September 7, 2025, is truly a full moon night, highlighted by the September Corn Moon reaching its peak brightness and accompanied by a spectacular total lunar eclipse. This celestial event is visible from many parts of the world, offering a rare opportunity for skywatchers to witness a “blood moon” phenomenon.
At 2:09 p.m. EDT today, the full moon will be at its fullest, but the real show begins as Earth’s shadow casts over the moon during the total lunar eclipse. This eclipse, lasting approximately 82 minutes, can be seen fully in eastern Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. For observers in parts of the U.S. like Alaska and Hawaii, a partial eclipse is visible, while most of the contiguous United States will see a bright full moon without eclipse coverage.
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What Makes Tonight’s Full Moon Special?
- The moon will appear fully illuminated, signifying the full moon phase.
- Earth’s shadow during the eclipse will tint the moon a reddish hue, creating what’s called a blood moon.
- The event offers a prolonged view, from 17:30 to 18:52 GMT, where the moon gradually transitions through the shadow.
- Known as the Corn Moon, this full moon aligns with traditional harvest time in September.
When and Where to Watch the Full Moon and Eclipse
- The eclipse is best visible in eastern Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Partial eclipse occurs in Alaska and Hawaii; the rest of North America sees just a bright full moon.
- Moonrise will be around 7:26 p.m. local time tonight for many regions.
- The moon’s brightness tonight will be enhanced by its proximity to planets Saturn and Neptune, visible in the night sky following the eclipse.
Why Skywatchers Shouldn’t Miss Tonight
The combination of a full moon with a total lunar eclipse is a rare and breathtaking astronomical event. The “blood moon” provides a symbolic and visually stunning viewing experience, reminding us of the grandeur of our cosmic environment. Observers will enjoy watching Earth’s shadow slowly envelope the moon, turning it spectacular shades of red for over an hour. This occurrence connects millions worldwide under the illuminated night sky.
Quick Reference Full Moon and Eclipse Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Moon Peak | September 7, 2025, 2:09 p.m. EDT |
| Eclipse Type | Total Lunar Eclipse |
| Duration | ~82 minutes |
| Visible From | Eastern Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia (full); Partial in Alaska, Hawaii |
| Moonrise | ~7:26 p.m. local time |
| Moon Phase Name | Corn Moon (September Full Moon) |
To make the most of this night, find a clear spot away from city lights and enjoy the show through the night. Binoculars or a telescope will add to the experience, though the full moon and eclipse are clearly visible to the naked eye. Join others globally in marveling at this beautiful representation of our solar system in motion.
Feel free to share your thoughts or sightings of tonight’s full moon and lunar eclipse in the comments below. Enjoy the magic of the night sky!