Must See Awe-Inspiring Lunar Events
From a total lunar eclipse that will turn the moon red to a partial eclipse later in the month, there will be magical and awe inspiring celestial happenings in the skies in September 2025. Whether you are viewing from a powerful telescope or using your naked eye this is the month to be skywatching.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly lined up, reported Universe Magazine, and the Moon is in the penumbra or shadow of the Earth. But unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is visible almost anywhere on the planet when the moon is above the horizon.
Blood Moon
In the evening of September 7, there will be a lunar eclipse that will turn the moon blood red. This rare phenomenon will be visible to 85 percent of the planet – Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia – , especially so in Ukraine. The moon will rise slightly above the horizon, and it will appear darker than it usually is. But the Earth’s atmosphere will scatter the blue part of solar radiation only allowing red light to get through. That will give the moon its rare red color.
Corn Moon
The full moon in September is known as the corn moon. It was named by Native American tribes because the full Moon marks the date the corn is ready to be harvested, and the full moon gave extra light to get the crop in, according to The Almanac. This year’s corn moon falls on September 7, at the same date as the lunar eclipse.
Planetary Convergence
On September 8, the moon, Saturn and Neptune will align within around 3.5 degrees of each other, reported National Geographic. While you will be able to see Saturn with the naked eye you will need a telescope of binoculars to view Neptune. The celestial trio will reach the highest point in the night sky about an hour or two after midnight.
The Moon and Jupiter Appear Together
In the very early hours of September 16, the waning crescent moon will pass close to Jupiter. The pair will be visible after midnight rising in the sky until dawn. If you have a telescope, you may be able to spot Jupiter’s four Galilean moons.
Venus will go Behind the Moon
On September 19, Venus will slip behind the moon in what is known as an occultation. That will be visible across Europe, Greenland, and parts of Canada and Africa.
New Moon and Solar Eclipse
But prime stargazing conditions will be on September 21, when September’s new moon appears. There will also be a partial solar eclipse that day, according to Universe Magazine. The solar eclipse will be visible to only a small number of people in New Zealand, Australia, and Antarctica. But seeing these celestial happenings can be a deeply spiritual experience.
