The Moon as seen from behind the Tokyo Skytree in Japan on September 8, 2025. AFP

Stargazers witnessed a rare sight on Sunday night as a total lunar eclipse, often called a "Blood Moon" or "Chandra Grahan", lit up the skies across Asia, parts of Europe and Africa.

Open fields, rooftops and even crowded streets became instant viewing spots as the Moon's white glow slowly faded and changed into a copper-red circle.

The phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon fall into a straight line. The Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, giving it a striking, deep red shade that has fascinated people for thousands of years.

Viewers in Asia, especially in India and China, had the best view of Sunday's eclipse. It could also be seen from the eastern regions of Africa and from western Australia.

Let's look at some photos of the blood-red moon and learn why it happens:

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, covering the Moon completely with its shadow.

This alignment makes the Moon grow darker and take on a reddish shade, which is why it is often called a "Blood Moon."

Unlike solar eclipses that need protective glasses, lunar eclipses can be watched safely with the naked eye. They can be seen from anywhere on the side of the Earth facing night, as long as the skies are clear.

The Moon turns red during a total eclipse because of the Earth's atmosphere.

When sunlight passes through the atmosphere, the shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter, while the longer red and orange wavelengths bend towards the Moon.

This bent light gives the Moon its copper or crimson glow.

The depth and tone of red can change depending on the atmosphere at the time, including the amount of dust, pollution or volcanic ash.

These conditions are especially rewarding for photographers and skywatchers, as they make the Moon's red tones stronger.

In many cultures, including in India, lunar eclipses hold religious and astrological importance.

The event is called Chandra Grahan in Sanskrit and is often linked to rituals, fasting, and certain practices followed during the eclipse.

This eclipse falls on Pitru Paksha Purnima, a day set aside to honour ancestors, which adds a spiritual meaning to the event.

Although science explains the eclipse through astronomy, traditions in India have long connected it with various customs and beliefs.

The most recent total lunar eclipse took place in March this year, while the one before it was in 2022.

A rare total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will be visible in part of Europe on August 12, 2026.

Next year's total eclipse, the first in mainland Europe since 2006, will be seen only in Spain and Iceland, though other countries will witness a large partial eclipse.

In Spain, the total eclipse will be visible within a band about 160 kilometres wide between Madrid and Barcelona, though neither city will experience the full event.

It will be the first total solar eclipse since one crossed North America in April 2024.