September’s Full Moon Brings Spectacular Total Lunar Eclipse to Australian Skies

A Rare Celestial Event

Today marks a significant astronomical event as around 85% of the world’s population has the opportunity to witness a ‘blood red’ total lunar eclipse on September 7-8, 2025. The total lunar eclipse will be particularly visible from regions of Africa, Europa, Asia, and Australia, with the path of totality stretching from eastern Africa through western Australia.

Current Moon Phase Details

The Moon currently shows a Waning Gibbous phase with an illumination of 99%, representing the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. This illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day.

Astronomical Significance

This particular Full Moon is known as the September Corn Moon, which reached its peak at 2:09 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, signifying the traditional corn harvesting period. The Moon’s gravitational influence causes Earth’s waters to bulge, creating tides. During both Full and New Moons, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, they generate ‘spring tides’ which can swing exceptionally high or low due to the combined gravitational influences.

Viewing Conditions

The bright Full Moon will be visible both early in the morning before dawn and in the evening sky after sunset. Currently spending most of its time in Aquarius, the Moon is approaching Saturn and Neptune, located near the Circlet of Pisces, and will pass north of these planets tomorrow afternoon.

Looking Ahead

This event is part of the Moon’s 29.53-day lunar cycle, during which it goes through 8 distinct phases. The four major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter, while the four minor phases are the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent.