Astronomy enthusiasts already have a date marked in their calendars. The next Blood Moon visible from Spain will occur on the night of Sunday 7 to Monday 8 September. This phenomenon, which is actually a total lunar eclipse, will tint our satellite in reddish and orange hues, creating an extraordinary visual spectacle that requires no special equipment to observe. The eclipse will be visible across much of Spain, though there will be regional differences. The total phase of the eclipse will occur approximately between 7.30pm and 8.52pm, reaching its peak around 8.11pm.
What makes it particularly striking is that, in most of the mainland and the Balearic Islands, the Moon will rise already eclipsed over the eastern horizon, offering a particularly impressive view for observers and photographers. However, not all Spaniards will be able to see the phenomenon in its entirety. In western Galicia and the Canary Islands, the Moon will rise after the total phase has ended, meaning residents there will only witness the partial eclipse. Even so, the event promises to be equally fascinating for anyone observing from elsewhere in the country.
For those in Mallorca, viewing conditions are expected to be especially favourable. The Balearic island will provide a prime vantage point, with the Moon rising fully eclipsed over the sea horizon at approximately 7.30p. Locations such as Es Trenc, Cala Millor, Playa de Muro, or the Mirador de la Victoria in Alcudia are ideal spots for observation.
Why does the Moon turn red during an eclipse?
What is popularly called a ‘Blood Moon’ is an optical phenomenon with a perfectly documented scientific explanation. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the direct sunlight that normally illuminates our satellite. However, not all the light is blocked. The Earth’s atmosphere acts as a natural filter, bending some of the Sun’s rays towards the Moon.
Through a process known as Rayleigh scattering, the blue and green colours in the light spectrum are filtered out, leaving primarily red and orange hues. These are what reach the lunar surface, giving it the characteristic coppery or reddish colour that has earned the popular name ‘Blood Moon’.
This astronomical event is not the first of its kind in 2025. On 14 March this year, another total lunar eclipse was visible from Spain, particularly in the central and western mainland, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
Total lunar eclipses are not extremely rare, but they do not occur frequently, making each appearance an opportunity that astronomy enthusiasts rarely miss. The fact that in 2025 we can enjoy two total lunar eclipses visible from Spain is unusual, making the September event even more special for fans of astronomical phenomena.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye, with no need for special filters or eye protection. To make the most of the experience, experts recommend finding a location with a clear eastern horizon, away from the light pollution of major cities. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, allowing for more details of the lunar surface to be seen during the eclipse, though they are not essential. Patience and, of course, a clear sky free from clouds or other weather interference are crucial.
Detailed schedule of the eclipse by region
The eclipse follows a precise timetable that enthusiasts should know to catch every phase. On the mainland and in the Balearic Islands, the sequence is as follows: penumbral start at 6.28pm (not yet visible), start of totality at 7.30pm (approximately coinciding with moonrise), maximum eclipse at 8.11pm, end of totality at 8.52pm, end of partial eclipse at 9.56pm, and end of the penumbral eclipse at 10.55pm, the latter being barely noticeable.
After this total lunar eclipse, Spanish astronomy fans will have to wait several years to witness a similar spectacle from their country. The next total lunar eclipses visible from Spain will not occur until well into the next five years, making the September opportunity particularly valuable for enthusiasts. Total lunar eclipses occur irregularly over time, and not all are visible from every region of the world. Experts therefore recommend taking the opportunity to observe the phenomenon whenever conditions are favourable for your geographic location.