"Saudi Arabia is set for a total lunar eclipse, as if it were wearing a red cloak"

Sky enthusiasts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are eagerly anticipating a total lunar eclipse on Sunday, September 7, 2025, which represents a rare astronomical opportunity. The moon will gradually enter the Earth's shadow starting at 6:28 pm Saudi Arabia time.

As the light gradually fades, the partial eclipse will begin at 6:28 pm, and the moon will gradually turn to a reddish-orange color. Not only that, but the country will witness the moment of total eclipse at exactly 8:31 pm, and this phase will last for about 82 minutes, providing ample time for viewers to enjoy the phenomenon.


The lunar eclipse will give the moon a charming gradient of colors reflecting the beauty of celestial phenomena, making the moon appear as if it is wearing a warm red cloak during the peak of the eclipse.

The phenomenon will not end until 9:53 pm when the moon starts to exit the Earth's shadow and gradually returns to its natural pleasing brightness to the human eye without the need for any astronomical viewing tools.

The scene will be clear in most regions of Saudi Arabia according to the estimates of the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, who emphasized the suitability of weather conditions for viewing it with the naked eye. Telescopes, phones, or cameras can also be used to document the event.

This phenomenon is part of a series of eclipses that the Kingdom will witness in the next decade, including a partial eclipse in August 2026, a penumbral eclipse in February 2027, leading to other total eclipses in 2028 and 2029.

It is worth noting that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, with the Earth's shadow blocking the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. The process ends with the total phase lasting around 82 minutes.

The capital Riyadh, Jeddah, and Taif are expected to have a clear view of the phenomenon without major cloud cover, and it is best to choose open locations with excellent eastern horizontal visibility to enjoy the celestial scene.

Experts recommend preparing for the event by setting up photography and video equipment, adjusting the settings for long exposure, and bringing family members to enjoy a unique and exciting communal experience and to perform the eclipse prayer.

This eclipse is a golden opportunity to enhance interest in astronomy and to document it historically using advanced imaging techniques, perhaps for the first time as part of the Kingdom's experiences in documenting celestial events.