Viewing Opportunity of Total Lunar Eclipse at NRF-SAAO, Cape Town

A total lunar eclipse will be visible on Sunday, 07 September 2025. In Cape Town, the partial phase will already be underway by moonrise (~18:24 SAST), with the totality running from ~19:30 to 20:52, and maximum occurring at ~20:11. In Johannesburg, timings will essentially be the same (moonrise ~17:49; totality ~19:30–20:52; maximum ~20:11).

Weather permitting, the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) will host a special public viewing aligned with the eclipse in Cape Town. Members of the public will be able to view the Moon through NRF-SAAO’s amateur telescopes and join guided walk-throughs of the historic Main Building and the new Visitor Centre. Journalists are invited to join this special public viewing.

How to Watch the Eclipse Anywhere in South Africa

• Look East/ENE from a spot with a clear low horizon (the Moon is low as totality begins).
• Unlike a solar eclipse, no eye protection is needed. Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view.
• For photos, stabilise your phone or camera, tap-focus on the Moon, lower the exposure a bit, and try a short-to-moderate zoom.

What You’ll See

As the Moon moves fully into Earth’s shadow, it will glow deep red—the classic “blood moon”. Expect the red colour to be most striking between ~19:30 and 20:52 SAST, fading as the eclipse exits totality. The partial phase will end around ~21:56, with penumbral shading lingering until ~22:55 (Cape Town time).

Media Queries:

Dr Daniel Cunnama Science Engagement Astronomer, NRF-SAAO, d.cunnama@saao.nrf.ac.za, +27 21 501 5169

or

Bongani Nkosi Media Relations Officer, NRF Corporate Communications, b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za, +27 61 477 3064

Image Credits: Andrea Stöckel has released this “Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Moon” image under Public Domain license