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Blood Moon in 2025: Live stream of the year’s longest eclipse

Eclipse lunar total
Foto: Eclipse lunar total - Foto: solarseven/istock

On September 7, 2025, the sky will host the longest total lunar eclipse of the year, lasting 82 minutes, when the Moon will be fully covered by Earth’s shadow, taking on reddish hues known as the Blood Moon. The event, occurring between Sunday night and Monday morning, will not be visible directly from Brazil, but Brazilians can follow every moment through live streams on platforms like YouTube and astronomy websites. The totality phase, the highlight of the event, is set to occur between 2:30 PM and 3:52 PM Brasília time, promising a unique visual spectacle. The event is eagerly awaited by astronomers and enthusiasts, who will witness the Moon in shades of red due to the refraction of sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere.

The eclipse will begin at 12:28 PM Brasília time, with the Moon entering the penumbra, and will end at 5:55 PM when the phenomenon concludes. Although direct visibility is limited to regions like Europe, Africa, eastern Australia, and New Zealand, technology will allow Brazilians to experience the event in real-time. Astronomers highlight the importance of digital platforms in democratizing access to celestial events, especially for a phenomenon as remarkable as this.

  • Exceptional duration: 82 minutes of totality, one of the longest this century.
  • Accessible streaming: YouTube channels and astronomy sites will offer live coverage.
  • Unique phenomenon: The Blood Moon will display shades from orange to deep red.
Eclipse lunar total
Eclipse lunar total – Foto; DCProduction Media/Shutterstock.com

How the lunar eclipse happens

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth blocking direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. This alignment causes Earth’s shadow, divided into penumbra and umbra, to cover the satellite. The penumbra is the region where sunlight is partially blocked, creating a gradual darkening effect. The umbra, where direct light is absent, is responsible for the characteristic reddish hue of the Blood Moon.

The red color arises because Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing red and orange tones to reach the Moon. Factors like pollution, dust, or volcanic activity can intensify or alter this hue, making each eclipse unique. In 2025, experts predict the color will be particularly vibrant due to low recent volcanic activity, reducing atmospheric particles.

The phenomenon will have five distinct phases: entry into the penumbra, start of the partial eclipse, totality, end of the partial eclipse, and exit from the penumbra. For those watching online, the totality phase, between 2:30 PM and 3:52 PM, will be the most striking, with the Moon fully immersed in the umbra.

Where and how to watch in Brazil

Although Brazil is not in the direct visibility zone, technology ensures access to the event. Several international observatories, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and Griffith Observatory, plan to offer live high-definition streams. Platforms like YouTube and specialized sites, such as Space.com, will provide full coverage with astronomer commentary and telescope-captured images.

  • YouTube: Channels like ESO and Timeanddate.com are reliable options.
  • Astronomy sites: Space.com and Stellarium offer streaming and detailed information.
  • Apps: Apps like SkySafari allow real-time eclipse simulations.
  • Ideal time: Start watching at 12:28 PM Brasília time to see all phases.

For an optimal experience, using devices with good image quality and a stable connection is recommended. Astronomers suggest starting to watch at least 75 minutes before totality, when the Moon begins crossing the penumbra, to understand the event’s progression.

Why the Blood Moon captivates

The Blood Moon has always sparked curiosity and awe, both for its beauty and symbolism. In various cultures, the reddish hue has been linked to omens or transformations, but science explains it as a natural spectacle. The refraction of sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere creates the visual effect, and the 82-minute duration in 2025 makes this eclipse particularly special.

The event also draws photographers and scientists. While photographers aim to capture the Moon’s unique hue, astronomers use the opportunity to study Earth’s atmosphere, as the Moon’s color reflects planetary atmospheric conditions. In 2025, the eclipse is expected to provide valuable data on atmospheric composition, especially amid climate change discussions.

Next opportunities for eclipses in Brazil

Those who miss the September 2025 eclipse will have another chance soon. On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible directly in Brazil, the Americas, eastern Asia, and Australia. Unlike the 2025 event, this one can be observed with the naked eye, without relying on online streams. Though shorter in duration, it promises to attract even more viewers.

  • Date: March 3, 2026, visible across all of Brazil.
  • Duration: Totality will last about 65 minutes.
  • Tips: Choose locations with low light pollution for better viewing.

Until then, the 2025 eclipse will be an opportunity for Brazilians to connect with astronomy through technology. The ease of access to live streams underscores the importance of scientific outreach, allowing people of all ages to marvel at the cosmos.

Curiosities about lunar eclipses

Lunar eclipses have fascinated humanity for centuries, and the 2025 event will be no exception. Beyond its visual beauty, the phenomenon carries peculiarities that make it even more intriguing.

  • Rarity: Total eclipses lasting over 80 minutes are rare, occurring only a few times per century.
  • Color variation: The Moon’s hue can change based on global atmospheric conditions.
  • History: Ancient civilizations, like the Incas, viewed eclipses as mystical events.
  • Modern science: Collected data helps monitor changes in Earth’s atmosphere.

The September 2025 lunar eclipse will be an astronomical milestone, blending science, technology, and natural beauty. Even without direct visibility in Brazil, live streams will ensure no one misses the spectacle. For astronomy enthusiasts, it’s a chance to connect with the universe and plan for the next visible eclipse in the country.