Blood Moon over Bahrain: Here's how to watch and photograph the celestial show

TL;DR:

• Bahrain will experience a total lunar eclipse on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, with the eclipse visible from 7:28pm to 10:56pm; peak totality (the "blood moon" phase) will last for about 1 hour and 22 minutes.

• A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, blocking direct sunlight and causing the Moon to turn a deep red as seen from Earth.

• The event can be viewed safely with the naked eye or photographed using a camera or phone with some basic techniques, no special equipment required, but a tripod and planning help capture the spectacle clearly.

Bahrain is set to witness a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event on the evening of September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse visible across the Kingdom for over five hours. Marking the nation's first full "blood moon" event since 2018, the eclipse will cast the Moon in a deep red hue during its peak, captivating both skywatchers and astrophotographers alike. With full visibility, ideal conditions, and cultural significance tied to Islamic traditions, the eclipse promises a night of science, serenity, and spectacle.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event that happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall across the surface of the Moon. This only occurs during a full moon, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line (a configuration known as “syzygy”). When the Earth's central shadow (the umbra) completely covers the Moon, it's called a total lunar eclipse. During totality, sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere bathes the Moon in a coppery-red light, leading to the popular term “blood moon”.
Unlike a solar eclipse (which requires eye protection and is visible only from certain locations), a lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye from anywhere it’s night and is completely safe to watch.

Details of the 2025 total Lunar Eclipse in Bahrain

• Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025

• Duration: The eclipse lasts about 5 hours and 27 minutes from start to finish, with the total phase (complete coverage) lasting about 1 hour and 22 minutes.

• Visibility: The entire eclipse will be visible from Bahrain, with the moon turning deep red at its peak—a rare sight not seen in Bahrain since July 2018 and not expected again until 2028.

Key Timings for Bahrain (local time):

• Eclipse begins: 7:28pm.

• Totality (blood moon): approx. 7:49pm to 9:11pm.

• Maximum eclipse: 9:11pm.

• Eclipse ends: 10:56pm.

The event also aligns with Salat Al-Khusuf (the eclipse prayer), making it significant for both scientific and cultural reasons.

How to observe and photograph the Eclipse
Watching the Eclipse

• No special equipment is needed to enjoy a lunar eclipse, view it safely with the naked eye.

• For a closer look or enhanced detail, binoculars or a small telescope are helpful.

• If skies are clear, find a spot with minimal light pollution for the best view.

How to capture the Lunar Eclipse (Photography tips)

1. For Smartphone Users:

• Stabilize: Use a tripod or steady surface; lunar eclipse photos are challenging in low light and any shake will blur the image.

• Turn off the flash and consider including landmarks or silhouettes in your frame for context.

• Zoom carefully: Use optical zoom if available, digital zoom can reduce image quality.

• Night mode: Activate your phone’s night or astrophotography mode if available.

2. For DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras:

• Lens: A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) will capture close-up details; a wide-angle lens can show the Moon in the landscape.

• Tripod: Essential for keeping the camera still during long exposures.

Camera Settings:

• Start with ISO 400 and a wide aperture (f/5.6 or wider). As the Moon darkens during totality, you may need to increase ISO or extend exposure time.

• Manual focus set to infinity is recommended.

• Use a cable release or self-timer to avoid camera shake.

• Bracket your shots: Take multiple exposures at different shutter speeds to capture both the bright and dim phases of the eclipse.

• Continuous Shots: You can take a series of images at regular intervals to document the different eclipse stages and create a composite later.

General tips:

• Plan your compositions before the eclipse using moonrise and direction forecasts.

• Practice your setup a night or two ahead to get comfortable with camera settings in low light.

• Charge your batteries and clear your memory card in advance.

The total lunar eclipse of September 7, 2025, offers Bahrain residents and visitors a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular celestial events, right from their own backyards. Whether you simply gaze at the Moon or aim to photograph its changing phases, the experience promises to be both inspiring and memorable. Remember to prepare ahead for the best view, check the timing, and enjoy a safe, awe-inspiring night under the “blood moon.”

FAQ

• 1. What is a Blood Moon?
  A Blood Moon is a total lunar eclipse during which the Moon turns a reddish colour as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
  
• 2. Why does the Moon turn red during a Blood Moon?
  Earth’s atmosphere filters and bends sunlight, scattering blue light and letting red light reach the Moon, giving it a coppery-red glow.
  
• 3. Is a Blood Moon safe to watch?
  Yes, unlike a solar eclipse, a Blood Moon can be viewed safely with the naked eye without any special eye protection.
  
• 4. How often do Blood Moons occur?
  Blood Moons happen irregularly, with 2 to 4 total lunar eclipses visible from Earth per year on average.
  
• 5. Do I need special equipment to see or photograph a Blood Moon?
  No special gear is needed to watch it, but using binoculars, telescopes, or cameras with tripods can enhance viewing and photography quality.