Lorraine Williamson
Spain is about to witness one of the most striking sky shows of the year. On Sunday evening, 7 September 2025, the full moon will take on a deep red glow during a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon.
The spectacle will be visible almost everywhere, except in western Galicia and the Canary Islands, where only the partial stage will be seen.
According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), the eclipse will begin in Madrid at 6.27pm when the partial phase starts. The moon will then enter totality from 7.31pm until 8.53pm, reaching its deepest shade of red at around 8.11pm. The final stage of the partial eclipse will end at 9.56pm. In many parts of the country, the moon will rise already in shadow, meaning the start of the total phase will not be visible. Eastern Spain, including Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, is expected to have the best views because the moon will be higher in the sky. However, forecasters at Aemet caution that cloud cover could affect visibility in some regions.
Why the moon turns red
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Rather than disappearing, the moon glows red because Earth’s atmosphere scatters the shorter blue wavelengths of light while allowing the longer red ones through. This natural filter bathes the moon in coppery tones and explains why it is often described as a blood moon. As this eclipse coincides with the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, it is also known as the Harvest Moon — a name rooted in centuries-old farming traditions when extra light at night allowed work to continue in the fields.
Safe and easy to watch
Unlike a solar eclipse, this is a phenomenon that requires no protective glasses or equipment. The IGN confirms that it is perfectly safe to look at with the naked eye. Those hoping for the clearest experience should head to an open area with a clear eastern horizon and as little light pollution as possible. As the eclipse draws to a close around 8.53pm, the moon will gradually regain its usual brilliance.
Andalucia fights light pollution
A global and local event
Sunday’s eclipse will not only be visible in Spain but also across large parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Antarctica, and eastern South America. Lunar eclipses are more frequent than solar ones and often last for several hours, offering ample opportunity to watch the drama unfold. For Spain, this will be the second total lunar eclipse of the year, following the one in March. Looking ahead, the country is set to experience a historic series of solar eclipses. In August 2026, northern Spain will witness the first total solar eclipse visible from Spanish soil since 1905, an event already expected to draw thousands of visitors. The following year, in August 2027, the south will host another total eclipse, while January 2028 will bring an annular eclipse to the south, west, and Balearic Islands. Local governments and observatories are already preparing viewing areas and public events to mark these rare moments.
A month rich in celestial wonders
September promises to be a rewarding month for skywatchers. Alongside Sunday’s blood moon, there will also be a partial solar eclipse, the arrival of the autumn equinox and striking planetary alignments. For those who miss this weekend’s lunar show, patience will be required: the next blood moon visible over Europe will not arrive until 31 December 2028.
Sources: EFE, National Geographic