Stargazers in the Philippines Can Catch the “Blood Moon” This Weekend

Stargazers, or just someone who loves gazing at the sky, are in for a treat.

A total lunar eclipse—popularly known as a Blood Moon—will be visible across the Philippines this weekend.

And yes, you don’t need any special equipment to see it.

Why “Blood Moon”?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth slips directly between the Sun and the Moon.

Instead of going completely dark, the Moon takes on a deep red or coppery glow. This happens because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, filtering out the blue wavelengths and letting only the red ones reach the Moon’s surface.

That’s why we call it a Blood Moon.

When to Watch in the Philippines

According to TimeandDate.com, the eclipse will start late Sunday night, September 7, and stretch into the early hours of Monday, September 8. Here’s the breakdown for Manila (times are similar nationwide):

• 11:28 PM – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle shading starts)

• 12:27 AM – Partial eclipse begins (a chunk of the Moon looks bitten off)

• 1:30 AM – Total eclipse begins (the Blood Moon phase!)

• 2:11 AM – Maximum eclipse (the deepest red glow)

• 2:52 AM – Total eclipse ends

• 4:55 AM – Eclipse ends completely

That means the total Blood Moon phase lasts about 1 hour and 22 minutes, with the whole show running for over 5 hours.

Where Can You See It?

The best part? The entire eclipse will be visible everywhere in the Philippines, weather permitting. Just look to the south-southeast to west-southwest sky and you’ll catch it. No telescopes, no fancy gear—your eyes are enough.

Of course, binoculars or a telescope will give you a crisper view.

Safe to Watch

Unlike a solar eclipse, there’s no risk in looking directly at a lunar eclipse.

So grab a chair, maybe some coffee (since it’s past midnight), and enjoy one of nature’s most stunning light shows.

Final Tip for Stargazers

If clouds ruin the view in your area, don’t worry—you’ll still be able to catch live streams online from observatories around the world.

But if the skies are clear, step outside and watch as the Moon turns red. It’s a cosmic reminder that the universe always has surprises waiting for us, stargazers.

About The Author

Antonio Manaytay

Antonio Manaytay is a journalist, editor, and pastor reporting for Rappler and leading the Daily Sun Chronicle. A 2024 Klima Fellow, he covers climate, governance, and grassroots resilience in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

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