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On the evening of 7 September 2025, skywatchers across South Africa will be treated to a breathtaking natural event – a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon. As the Earth’s shadow slowly moves across the face of the full moon, it will take on a deep, reddish hue, creating a rare and captivating sight in the night sky.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just curious, here’s how you can enjoy the lunar eclipse – no fancy gear required (but it helps!).
1. Just Look Up
The easiest (and most affordable) way to enjoy the blood moon is to simply look up with your naked eyes. You don’t need any equipment to experience the eclipse — just a good view of the sky and a bit of planning.
To make sure you don’t miss it, check your local weather forecast for cloud cover. Sites like ClearOutside let you enter your location and see if the skies will be clear during the eclipse.
You’ll also want to note the timing of the eclipse. In Johannesburg, for example:
- Eclipse begins: 17:49
- Maximum eclipse: 20:11
- Eclipse ends: 22:55
Times may vary slightly depending on where you are in the country, so it’s worth checking a lunar eclipse calculator or astronomical calendar for your specific location.
Tip: Find an area away from city lights if you want a more immersive experience.
2. Binoculars: A Closer Look
If you have a pair of binoculars lying around, now is the time to use them. Even a basic set can dramatically enhance your view of the blood moon by bringing out more detail in the lunar surface and colour.
For the best experience, binoculars with 42mm or 50mm objective lenses are ideal. These offer good light-gathering ability, especially as the sky darkens during the eclipse. A 7×50 or 10×50 set is a popular choice, giving a stable, zoomed-in view without needing a tripod.
If you’re considering buying a pair, skip the ultra-cheap ones. Low-end optics often suffer from poor image quality and can actually make the experience worse. Reliable mid-range brands like SVBony, Fujinon, or Celestron are a solid bet.
3. Break Out the Telescope
If you own a telescope, this is your chance to really get up close and personal with the moon.
A short-tube refractor telescope with an 80mm aperture is a fantastic all-rounder for lunar events. It offers a wide enough field of view to follow the moon as it moves, while still providing impressive detail – including craters and surface texture that will be visible even during the eclipse’s darkest moments.
A basic 70mm refractor mounted on a camera tripod can also work well for beginners. And if you happen to have a dedicated lunar scope like the Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ, you’re in for a treat. These long focal-length telescopes are designed specifically for observing the moon and offer clear, crisp views of the lunar surface.
That said, avoid going too high-tech unless you’re already familiar with the gear. Advanced Equatorial or GoTo mounts can be tricky to set up and use unless you have experience.
Bonus: Capture the Moment
Many smartphones today have decent night photography capabilities. With the right settings and a steady hand – or a tripod – you can try capturing the blood moon for yourself. Telescopes and binoculars with smartphone adapters can make this even easier.
Final Thoughts
The blood moon of 7 September 2025 promises to be a spectacular sight for South Africans. Whether you’re watching from your backyard, a hilltop, or a quiet farm, this total lunar eclipse is a reminder of the beauty that exists just above us.
You don’t need to be an expert or own expensive equipment to enjoy it. Just look up, take a moment, and enjoy one of nature’s rare and unforgettable performances.