Madurai to Witness Rare Blood Moon on Sunday

Madurai, Sept. 6 – People in Madurai are preparing to watch a rare sight in the sky on Sunday night, September 7. A total lunar eclipse, commonly known as the Blood Moon, will take place, turning the Moon a glowing red.

Why It Happens

The Blood Moon occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight. Instead of turning black, the Moon looks red because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, allowing only red light to reach the Moon’s surface. This gives it a copper or blood-like glow.

Timings in Madurai

The eclipse will start at 9:58 p.m. The most striking phase, when the Moon appears fully red, will last from 11:00 p.m. to 12:22 a.m. It will end shortly after midnight, offering more than two hours for people to enjoy the sight.

Public Viewing

The Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) is setting up observation camps at the Thaikkal–Sellur bridge on the Vaigai River. Telescopes will be provided, and volunteers will explain the science to visitors. Colleges and local groups are also planning rooftop gatherings and small community events. Families are expected to watch from their terraces, while many photographers are eager to capture the moment.

A Rare Experience

Unlike a solar eclipse, the Blood Moon is safe to watch without glasses. Scientists say the next total lunar eclipse in India will occur only in December 2028, making Sunday’s event a rare opportunity for Madurai residents.

As the red Moon rises over the city, it will be more than just a sky event—it will be a shared moment of wonder, reminding everyone of the beauty and mystery of the universe

A Myth of the Blood Moon

Long ago, people looked at the sky with both wonder and fear. In ancient Hindu belief, a lunar eclipse was linked to the story of Rahu, a demon who once drank the nectar of immortality. The Sun and Moon revealed his trick to Lord Vishnu, who cut off Rahu’s head. But Rahu’s head lived on, forever chasing the Sun and Moon. When he catches the Moon, the sky darkens, and the Moon turns red—this is the Blood Moon.

In other cultures too, the red Moon carried mystery. Some Native American tribes believed it was a sign of change and renewal, while the Incas thought a jaguar was attacking the Moon, and they would shout and drum to scare it away.

For people across time, the Blood Moon was never just science—it was a story, a warning, or a symbol of transformation.