Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Bahrain’s Skies on Sunday

Bahrain will witness a rare total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, coinciding with the full moon of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH. The phenomenon will also be visible across the Gulf region.

Astronomical researcher Mohammed Redha Al Asfoor explained that the entire event will last 5 hours and 27 minutes. The moon will rise at 5:44 pm, entering Earth’s penumbra at 6:28 pm, followed by the partial eclipse at 7:27 pm. The total eclipse will begin at 8:30 pm, when the moon turns a dark red color due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere. The eclipse will reach its peak at 9:11 pm and end its total phase by 9:52 pm, with the shadow gradually clearing until 10:56 pm. The moon will fully exit Earth’s penumbra by 11:55 pm.

Al Asfoor added that what makes this event more special is the close alignment of the moon with Saturn, offering a stunning view for sky watchers.

He also noted that the Eclipse Prayer (Salat al-Khusuf) will begin with the partial phase at 7:27 pm and continue until 10:56 pm, lasting 3 hours and 29 minutes.

The researcher explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow blocks sunlight from reaching the moon, happening only when the sun, Earth, and moon align in a straight line. This will be the first total lunar eclipse visible in Bahrain since July 2018 and the next one will not occur until December 31, 2028.

Al Asfoor encouraged astronomy enthusiasts and photographers to make the most of this rare event, noting that the eclipse can be observed safely with the naked eye.