September 7 ‘blood moon’: how best to see it in France

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across France on the evening of Sunday, September 7, turning the Moon a deep red in what is popularly called a “blood moon”. Here is how you can observe it.

The lune de sang or blood moon phenomenon occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the satellite and filtering sunlight through the atmosphere. Blue wavelengths scatter, leaving red and copper hues to colour the Moon.

The event is not rare. Lunar eclipses, total or partial, can happen up to four times a year. Visibility depends on cloud cover location and timing. 

Unlike solar eclipses, no special glasses are required to watch it,  just a clear sky and an unobstructed view. However, many areas will see cloudy skies on Sunday evening.

The eclipse will be brief and coincide with moonrise in France, meaning careful positioning is essential. 

The Moon will appear in the eastern sky at around 20:17 in France, shortly after the eclipse reaches its maximum at 20:11. 

Red tones will gradually fade, and the Moon will return to its normal colour by 21:56.

Observers are advised to find a site with a clear eastern horizon, placing the setting Sun at their back. 

The eclipse is dynamic: shadows and colour shades change continuously, making even short delays noticeable in photographs. 

Globally, the eclipse will be most prominent in Asia, including China and India, and parts of eastern and western Africa. 

This lunar eclipse - the second of 2025 - precedes a major solar eclipse expected on August 12, 2026, which will be the first total solar eclipse in Europe since 2006.