A rare celestial spectacle will be visible in the skies of the kingdom next month, according to a top astronomer.
For the first time since 2018, star-gazers in Bahrain will get to witness a total lunar eclipse on September 7, said Mohammed Al Asfoor.
The moon is expected to turn a striking red during the peak of the eclipse, offering what is expected to be a breathtaking ‘blood moon’ experience visible to the naked eye.
The phenomena will coincide with the full moon of the Islamic month of Rabi Al Awal.
“This event is considered to be one of the most prominent astronomical phenomenon of 2025,” said Mr Al Asfoor.
“It will be clearly visible in the skies over the kingdom as well as across the GCC.
“The eclipse will go through several phases lasting approximately five hours and 27 minutes, beginning with the penumbral eclipse, followed by the partial eclipse, then the total eclipse, and finally the moon’s exit from Earth’s umbra and penumbra.”
Mr Al Asfoor noted that the peak of the total eclipse will occur when the moon is fully immersed in the earth’s shadow for a duration of one hour and 22 minutes, during which the moon will turn a dark red colour, commonly referred to as a ‘blood moon’.
Mr Al Asfoor
A ‘blood moon’ is a phenomenon whereby the moon in total eclipse appears reddish in colour as it is illuminated by sunlight filtered and refracted by the earth’s atmosphere.
During a total lunar eclipse, the earth lines up between the moon and the sun, hiding the moon from sunlight. When this happens, the only light that reaches the moon’s surface is from the edges of the earth’s atmosphere.
The air molecules from earth’s atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects onto the moon’s surface with a red glow, making the moon appear red in the night sky.
During a lunar eclipse, Muslims are encouraged to pray Salat-ul-Khusuf (the eclipse prayer) and engage in remembrance of Allah, supplication and charity.
The eclipse prayer period in Bahrain will span from 7.27pm to 10.56pm local time, coinciding with the partial and total phases of the eclipse.
Mr Al Asfoor stated that this will be the first total lunar eclipse visible in Bahrain since July 2018, and it will not be seen again in the kingdom until December 31, 2028.
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“This makes it a rare opportunity worthy of observation and documentation by astronomy enthusiasts.
“The phenomenon can be viewed with the naked eye, with no need for protective glasses or specialised equipment, making it an ideal moment for skywatchers and photographers to capture this unique celestial scene.”
According to the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a lunar eclipse is safe to look at with the naked eye and without any special equipment, though ‘binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view’.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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