Daijiworld Media Network - UAE

UAE, Sep 7: Skywatchers across the UAE are in for a celestial treat on the evening of Sunday, September 7, as one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent memory unfolds, featuring 82 minutes of deep red totality. The International Astronomical Centre will livestream the event from Al-Khattm Astronomical Observatory, offering a global audience real-time coverage from 7:30 pm to 11:50 pm GST.

Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odah, Director of the Centre, explained the eclipse stages: the penumbral phase begins at 7:28 pm, partial eclipse at 8:27 pm, totality at 9:31 pm, with maximum red glow at 10:12 pm, ending totality at 10:53 pm. The final penumbral phase concludes at 12:55 am on September 8. The totality, visible across all seven emirates, will last from 9:30 pm to 10:52 pm GST.

Odah highlighted that the eclipse’s striking red hue, known as a Blood Moon, results from Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight. The intensity of color depends on atmospheric conditions, with pollution leading to darker shades. The event is expected to be visible to roughly 87% of the world’s population.

All emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain — will witness the Moon fully immersed in Earth’s umbra simultaneously. While visible to the naked eye, observatories and livestreams will provide detailed views of the Moon’s transformation from bright white to glowing red.

Skywatchers can also look forward to future events, including a partial lunar eclipse on July 6, 2028, and the next total lunar eclipse visible in the UAE on December 31, 2028, promising another dramatic Blood Moon to ring in the New Year.