So here’s some good news for people who still think staring at the sky is only for poets, dreamers, or people who’ve just had one too many cups of karak. On September 7, Dubai is getting its very own celestial blockbuster – a rare Blood Moon. And unlike your cousin’s 500-photo wedding album, this is one thing worth looking up for.
So, What Is This Blood Moon?
This isn’t your average full moon, the kind that inspires 90s Bollywood songs. This one’s a total lunar eclipse, where Earth quite literally photobombs the Sun and casts its shadow on the Moon. Instead of sulking, the Moon does what all of us do under bad lighting, turn red. That dramatic coppery-red glow? That’s sunlight sneaking past Earth’s atmosphere, ditching blue tones and bathing the Moon in shades of fire. And here’s the thing: the total eclipse will last a glorious 82 minutes. That’s longer than most people’s commitment to their New Year’s resolutions.
Also read: Another Long Weekend Is Coming to the UAE In 15 Days – Here’s All You Need To Know!
When To Crane Your Neck At The Sky
Set your alarms, cancel dinner plans, and head to your balcony to catch the Blood Moon. The key timings in UAE:
- 7.28pm – Penumbral eclipse begins (don’t squint too hard, you probably won’t notice this bit).
- 8.27pm – Partial eclipse begins (the Moon looks like someone’s taken a celestial bite out of it).
- 9.30pm – The Blood Moon officially makes its entrance.
- 10.12pm – Maximum eclipse. Cue gasps, Instagrams, and people shouting “wow” unhelpfully.
- 10.53pm onwards – The Moon slowly slips back to normal programming, wrapping up around 12.55am.
Why Is The Blood Moon So Rare?
Not every full moon becomes a diva in red. The lineup of Sun, Earth, and Moon has to be just right. Add in the fact that this one is globally visible to nearly 87% of the world’s population, and you’ve got yourself a truly rare, FOMO-inducing event. Yup, the blood moon is that unique!
How To Watch Without Looking Like A Confused Bat
Good news, you don’t need fancy glasses or equipment to view the Blood Moon. Your naked eyes are enough. But if you’re a true enthusiast, a telescope or binoculars will show you craters glowing like hot embers. Dubai Astronomy Group is also setting up viewing sessions and a global livestream (yes, you can even see it paired with the Burj Khalifa, because of course).
And The Next One?
Miss this Blood Moon and you’ll have to wait till 2028. The July one’s only partial, like a half-hearted diet. But on December 31, 2028, the UAE will see another full Blood Moon. Fireworks, resolutions, and a crimson moon all on one night. Frankly, even the New Year’s Eve parties in Downtown will struggle to compete.
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