7 Breathtaking Pictures Of The Blood Moon Last Night (And How To Capture The Next One)

The recent "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse, which occurred on September 7–8, 2025, delivered an astronomical spectacle that captivated millions of skywatchers across half the globe. For those who missed the celestial show or were thwarted by cloud cover, the stunning photographs that emerged from the event offer a mesmerizing glimpse into one of nature’s most dramatic displays. This article compiles the most spectacular images and details from the September 2025 eclipse, along with essential advice for capturing the next one.

The total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a Blood Moon due to its striking reddish-orange hue, is a powerful reminder of the precise orbital mechanics governing our solar system. On this occasion, the Earth perfectly aligned between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep shadow that transformed the lunar surface into a glowing, coppery orb. This phenomenon provided a wealth of unforgettable images that have since gone viral across social media and astronomical publications, showcasing the event's beauty and global impact.

The September 2025 Blood Moon: An Event Recap

The total lunar eclipse of September 7–8, 2025, was a highly anticipated event, particularly for observers in the Eastern Hemisphere. This was the first total lunar eclipse visible to a large portion of the world since the previous year, making it a significant highlight on the 2025 astronomical calendar.

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The event was a global showcase of orbital mechanics. The Earth passed directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to enter the Earth's umbra—the darkest part of its shadow.

• Date of Totality: September 7–8, 2025.
• Primary Visibility: The total phase was visible primarily to observers in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Missed By: Most of North America and South America were not in a position to view the totality phase of the eclipse.
• Duration: The total phase of the eclipse—when the Moon was fully immersed in the Earth's shadow—lasted for a considerable period, giving photographers ample time to capture the deep red color.

The stunning red color that gives the Blood Moon its name is a result of a process called Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon that makes Earth's sky blue and sunrises/sunsets red. During the eclipse, sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, which filters out the blue light and allows only the red and orange wavelengths to be refracted and projected onto the Moon’s surface.

The Best Pictures: A Gallery of Copper and Crimson

The pictures that flooded the internet immediately following the September 2025 eclipse confirmed the event's spectacular nature. These images captured not just the Moon, but the dramatic contrast of the crimson orb against various earthly backdrops, from ancient cityscapes to remote landscapes.

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Astrophotographers and casual observers alike captured a range of photographic styles:

1. The Deep-Sky Telephoto Shot

These images, taken with powerful telescopes and long focal length lenses (often 400mm or more), show the Moon in exquisite detail. The surface features, like craters and maria, are clearly visible, bathed in a soft, coppery light. These shots highlight the subtle variations in the Moon's color, which can range from bright orange to a deep, dark red depending on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth's atmosphere.

2. The Blood Moon and Foreground Landscape

Perhaps the most popular style of photography from the event, these pictures feature the Blood Moon as a dramatic focal point above a recognizable landmark. Shots from Athens showing the Moon over the ancient Pnyx hill, and images from Australia featuring the red orb above the Sydney skyline, were particularly striking. These compositions emphasize the scale and beauty of the celestial event in a familiar context.

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3. The Eclipse Progression Composite

Many photographers created composite images, stitching together multiple frames to show the Moon's journey from a bright full moon, through the partial eclipse phases (penumbra and umbra), and finally into the deep red totality. This sequence visually explains the entire three-hour process of the total lunar eclipse.

Mastering Blood Moon Photography: Tips for the Next Eclipse

Inspired by the stunning photographs from the September 2025 event? The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 3, 2026, offering a fresh opportunity to capture your own unforgettable images. This eclipse will be visible across parts of Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.

Photographing a Blood Moon is challenging because the Moon's brightness changes dramatically as it enters and exits the Earth's shadow. The Moon in totality is significantly dimmer than a full moon, requiring different camera settings. Here are the expert tips to prepare for the March 2026 event:

Essential Equipment Checklist

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is best, offering manual control over exposure.
• Lens: A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 400mm is recommended for detailed close-ups of the Moon.
• Tripod: Absolutely essential. A sturdy tripod prevents camera shake, especially during the long exposures needed for the dim totality phase.
• Remote Shutter Release: Using a remote or a 2-second timer minimizes vibrations from pressing the shutter button.

Recommended Camera Settings (The "Looney 11" Rule Modification)

The "Looney 11" rule is a standard starting point for a full moon, but the Blood Moon requires significant adjustments, especially during totality. You will need to "bracket" your exposures, taking multiple shots at different settings to capture the full range of light.

1. Capturing the Full Moon (Before Eclipse)

Start with settings close to the "Looney 11" rule: Aperture at f/11, Shutter Speed at 1/125th of a second, and ISO at 100. This will ensure the bright full moon is not overexposed.

2. Capturing the Partial Eclipse (Umbra/Penumbra)

As the eclipse begins, the Moon's brightness drops. You’ll need to increase your ISO and slow your shutter speed. Try a starting point of ISO 400, Aperture at f/8, and Shutter Speed at 1/60th of a second.

3. Capturing the Blood Moon (Totality)

This is the most challenging phase. The Moon is now much dimmer, requiring a much longer exposure. A good starting range is:

• ISO: Increase to 400–800 (for minimal noise).
• Aperture: Use a wide aperture, such as f/5.6 or f/6.7.
• Shutter Speed: Slow the shutter down to 1–4 seconds. Be careful not to go too long, as the Moon is moving and will cause blurring.

Remember to always shoot in Manual Mode (M) and use the RAW file format to give you the most flexibility when editing and enhancing the final image. By preparing your gear and practicing your settings now, you can be ready to capture the breathtaking beauty of the March 2026 Blood Moon.