Cape Town – The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced that a total lunar eclipse will be visible on Sunday, 7 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,” the NRF said on Friday, 5 September 2025.
“In Johannesburg, timings will essentially be the same (moonrise ~17:49; totality ~19:30–20:52; maximum ~20:11).”
The NRF said, 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,” the NRF said.
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).
