This weekend, Washingtonians can prepare for a breathtaking sight in the night sky over the District!
On Sunday, September 7th, the moon will fall into the Earth’s shadow, turning the moon a fiery, crimson red during a total lunar eclipse, a celestial event more commonly known as a ‘blood moon’.
The ultra-rare celestial event will be just the second total lunar eclipse to take place this year, and approximately 77% of the planet’s population is expected to be able to witness it.
What Is A Total Lunar Eclipse?
According to NASA, a total lunar eclipse is when the Moon falls completely within a particular section of Earth’s shadow called the umbra, which is where the Earth’s shadow is at its darkest.
Source / Time and Date
Why is it called a Blood ‘Corn’ Moon?
The name ‘Blood Moon’ becomes abundantly clear during the celestial event, as the moon itself seemingly changes into fiery red and orange colors; this happens because the Earth’s atmosphere, which acts as a filter that ‘scatters’ blue tones while allowing red and orange wavelengths to pass and hit the moon.
The addition of the term ‘Corn’ moon simply refers to the fact that this will be a full moon during September – in fact, a full moon has a unique name for each month.
Will you be able to see it from Washington, D.C.?
Though billions of people can expect to see a blood-red full moon this weekend, Washingtonians, unfortunately, won’t be getting the full experience.
The East Coast will witness the final moments of the moon’s red hue before it transitions back to its standard white coloring as the night progresses.
Moonrise in the District on September 7th is around 7:32 pm, right during the height of totality. That means that if the skies are clear, you’ll get an unforgettable experience!
Best places to see the Blood ‘Corn’ Moon in D.C.
For the best views, head somewhere with a clear line to the eastern horizon, like:
- The Jefferson Memorial side of the Tidal Basin
- East Potomac Park, Hains Point
- Kendall Point (Navy & Marine Memorial)
- Gravelly Point
If clouds ruin the show, you can still catch the full spectacle via livestreams from observatories around the world.
Time and Date’s livestream can be seen below:
Why is this Blood Moon special
- It’s the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022
- Visible to 77% of the world’s population
- Happens during an unusually long totality phase
- It will rise already red over D.C., unlike most eclipses
Mark your calendars–whether you watch in person or online, this will be the most dramatic lunar display of 2025!
After September 2025, when is the next total lunar eclipse?
The next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 2nd-3rd, 2026, according to Space.com, and will be visible from Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic, and Antarctica.