Lunar Eclipse 2025: Two blood moons not to be missed!

The lunar eclipse 2025 promises to be spectacular. After all, in one year we will get not one, but two total lunar eclipses see. Such blood moons are rare, and they are the perfect time to experience the sky in detail with a telescope or camera.

How does a lunar eclipse occur?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth slides exactly between the sun and the moon. The earth then casts a shadow, the umbra, into which the moon enters. Because filtered sunlight still bends through the atmosphere, the moon turns red rather than black. How much dust, moisture and clouds are present in Earth's atmosphere determines whether the moon turns bright orange or deep dark red.

When are lunar eclipses in 2025?

By 2025, there will be two total lunar eclipses which are visible worldwide:

March 13-14, 2025

• Beginning partial eclipse: 01:09 a.m. (Dutch time)
• Totality: 02:26 - 03:31 a.m.
• End of partial eclipse: 04:47 a.m.

In the Netherlands, you only see the initial stages, because the moon sets before totality is over. In North and South America, the eclipse is fully visible.

Sept. 7, 2025

• Beginning partial eclipse: 7:12 p.m.
• Totality: 8:10 p.m. - 9:32 p.m.
• Maximum: 8:51 p.m.
• End of partial eclipse: 10:30 p.m.

This eclipse is in the Netherlands and Belgium fully view. Moreover, it coincides with the full Corn Moon. As the moon is low on the horizon, watch as it slowly turns into a red sphere.

👉 Want to know more about this particular full moon? Read our separate blog: Full moon September 2025.

What is the best way to view a lunar eclipse?

The beauty of a lunar eclipse is that you don't need any special protection. You can safely watch with the naked eye. Still, a telescope makes all the difference:

• Dobson-telescopes are ideal for beginners who want to see the blood moon in its entirety. They offer a wide view and plenty of light output.
• Refractor-telescopes show details in craters and plains extra sharp, thanks to their high contrast.
• Smart telescopes such as the Seestar S50 automatically track the moon and take instant photos via your smartphone. Perfect for those who also want to capture what they see.

Tips for photography

A blood moon is a unique opportunity for astrophotography. Some practical tips:

• Use a tripod To prevent vibrations.
• During the red phase, the moon is darker; play with longer exposure times.
• With a moon filter prevent glare in the brighter phases.
• A smartphone holder or smart telescope makes it easy to take sharp shots instantly.

Why shouldn't you miss this?

The combination of two total eclipses in one year is rare. March offers a challenging time for early risers, while September offers the best chances in Europe for an unforgettable blood moon. For anyone who ever wants to see or photograph the red moon, 2025 is the year to have a telescope ready.

Facts and facts about lunar eclipses

A lunar eclipse is not only beautiful to see, but also interesting to understand better. Did you know:

• Every lunar eclipse is unique: the exact color varies from time to time. For example, if there is a lot of dust in the atmosphere after a volcanic eruption, the moon may appear almost brown-black instead of red.
• An eclipse can occur only during a full moon: the sun, earth and moon must be exactly aligned. With a new moon this also happens, but then we speak of a solar eclipse.
• The frequency varies by year: some years there are no total lunar eclipses, while 2025 has two. That makes this year special.
• The moon seems bigger on the horizon during the eclipse because of the so-called lunar illusion. Our brain compares the moon to objects on Earth, making it look more impressive.
• The pace is slow: A total lunar eclipse lasts much longer than a solar eclipse. So you have plenty of time to adjust your telescope properly or try out different filters.

Conclusion

The lunar eclipse 2025 brings two blood moons: on March 13-14 and on September 7. Whereas March is fully visible especially in America, in the Netherlands we get a complete show in September. With a telescope you can see not only the color, but also how the earth's shadow slides over craters and maria.

👉 Want to experience this phenomenon up close? Discover our telescopes and accessories and get ready for the most beautiful lunar eclipses of this decade.