A total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red glow over the Moon in the early hours of September 8, 2025, as seen from across the Philippines. The celestial event will reach maximum eclipse at 2:12 a.m. (PAGASA)
By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Published Sep 1, 2025 01:12 pm
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Philippines in the early hours of Sept. 8, with the Moon expected to glow a deep red for about one hour and 22 minutes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The event will begin late on Sept. 7 at 11:27 p.m., when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbral shadow. The partial eclipse phase starts at 12:27 a.m. on Sept. 8, gradually darkening the Moon.
Totality, which is the period when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s umbra and appears blood red, will last from 1:30 a.m. to 2:53 a.m. It spans one hour, 22 minutes, and 54 seconds.
The maximum eclipse will occur at 2:12 a.m.
PAGASA said the astronomical event will conclude at 4:57 a.m. when the Moon completely exits Earth’s penumbral shadow.
PAGASA’s Astronomical Observation and Time Service Unit chief Mario Raymundo explained that the reddish tint is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere, which casts a red glow on the Moon’s surface during the eclipse.
“This total lunar eclipse will last approximately one hour and 22 minutes, which is quite long for this type of event,” Raymundo said in an interview.
He added that the longest total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines lasted one hour and 40 minutes, recorded in 1953.
Raymundo described the chances of clearly seeing this month’s eclipse as somewhat “suntok sa buwan” (a long shot), since it coincides with the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season, which often brings cloudy skies and rain.
Still, weather permitting, the total lunar eclipse will be visible across most parts of the country.
Unlike solar eclipses, total lunar eclipses are safe to watch without special equipment. While binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, they are not necessary.
The public is encouraged to find a dark area with a clear view of the sky to fully appreciate the celestial event.
Raymundo added that PAGASA will open its Astronomical Observatory in Quezon City to the public for eclipse viewing on the evening of Sept. 7.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines is expected on March 3, 2026.
