Lunar Eclipse Viewing Event Draws Over 200 Guests to the NRF-SAAO

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, the NRF-SAAOopened its doors to the public and media for an exclusive lunar eclipse viewing experience. The event offered astronomy enthusiasts and curious visitors a front-row seat to one of Nature’s most spectacular phenomena—a blood Moon lunar eclipse.

The eclipse began at approximately 7:30 pm, with the maximum visibility of the blood Moon occurring at 8:11 pm. Guests witnessed the Moon gradually passing through Earth’s shadow, creating a dramatic reddish hue that gave rise to its name. The entire eclipse took place from 7:30 pm to 8:52 pm, and, as a bonus for stargazers, no special equipment was required as the celestial display could be enjoyed with the naked eye.

NRF-SAAO welcomed over 200 guests from across the Western Cape, who were treated to a unique night of astronomical discovery. Attendees experienced the eclipse through multiple amateur telescopes set up on-site, while some passionate visitors even brought along their personal telescopes to capture the event in greater detail.

Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Observatory’s historic site, gaining insight into the rich scientific and cultural heritage of South African astronomy, while the excitement was amplified by a live broadcast on SABC News, which allowed viewers across South Africa to experience this celestial wonder in real time.

This event reflects NRF-SAAO’s commitment to public engagement and science communication, bringing people closer to the wonders of the universe. If you missed this spectacular night under the blood Moon, relive the experience by watching the full SABC News live broadcast: