The celestial calendar for 2025 promises four eclipses, comprising two lunar (moon) and two solar (sun) events, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Among these, only one lunar eclipse will be visible from Pakistan, offering a rare opportunity for local skywatchers to witness the phenomenon.
March 14: The First Blood Moon
The year’s first total lunar eclipse, also known as a “Blood Moon,” will occur on March 14, 2025, at 8:57 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). This will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022. Unfortunately, this spectacular celestial event will not be visible from Pakistan. It will, however, be observable in regions including Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Antarctica.
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The term “Blood Moon” arises from the reddish hue that the Moon adopts during a total lunar eclipse as sunlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere, casting a coppery glow on the Moon’s surface.
March 29: A Partial Solar Eclipse
The first solar eclipse of 2025 will be a partial one, taking place on March 29. It will be visible in Europe, northern Asia, North and West Africa, much of North America, and northern South America, as well as over the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Similar to the first lunar eclipse, this solar event will also not be visible in Pakistan.
September 7-8: Pakistan’s Chance to Witness a Blood Moon
The second lunar eclipse of the year, and the only one visible in Pakistan, will take place on the night of September 7, 2025. This total lunar eclipse will begin at 8:28 PM and conclude at 1:55 AM on September 8, offering an extended and breathtaking view for stargazers in the region.
This event will also be visible across much of Asia, providing a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to witness a vivid “Blood Moon.” Observers in Pakistan are encouraged to mark their calendars for this mesmerizing celestial occurrence.
September 21: The Final Eclipse of the Year
The last eclipse of 2025 will be a partial solar eclipse, scheduled for September 21. This eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Australia, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica. Unfortunately, this event will not be observable from Pakistan.
What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. This phenomenon can only take place during a full moon. The eclipse transitions through phases: first entering the penumbra (partial shadow), moving into the umbra (full shadow), and then exiting back into the penumbra.
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Experts, including NASA, stress that direct observation of the Sun during an annular or partial solar eclipse is unsafe without specialized eye protection. Approved solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers are essential for safeguarding vision.