A total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a “Blood Moon,” is set to occur from Thursday into Friday, offering a celestial spectacle visible across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and western Asia.
A “Blood Moon” takes place during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. Despite being in Earth’s shadow, the Moon does not go completely dark. Instead, it takes on a reddish hue due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere, which refracts red wavelengths onto the lunar surface, creating its distinctive appearance.
The totality phase of the eclipse, when the Moon is fully enveloped in Earth’s shadow, will last approximately 65 minutes. No special equipment is needed to observe this event—viewers simply need to find a clear, dark location and look up.
In Athens, the eclipse will be partially visible. Early risers can catch the penumbral phase, where the Moon begins to dim slightly, at 5:57 a.m. on Friday. The partial eclipse, during which a noticeable darkening occurs, begins at 7:09 a.m. However, the Moon will set in Greece at 7:35 a.m. EET, before the eclipse reaches totality, meaning observers will only witness the initial phases of the event.
The total lunar eclipse will be fully visible across North and South America, while Europe and Africa will see the eclipse in progress as the Moon sets. Observers in western Asia and Australia may witness the later stages as the Moon rises, according to NASA.
For those unable to view this eclipse, the next total lunar eclipse is set for September 7, 2025. This event will be fully visible from Athens at totality, providing a clearer view for European observers, particularly in Greece.
