KATHMANDU: A total lunar eclipse (Khagras Chandra Grahan) will occur today, coinciding with the full moon of Bhadra Shukla Purnima. This marks the first lunar eclipse of the year 2025.

During the eclipse, the Moon is expected to turn a striking red, a phenomenon popularly called a “blood moon.”

This reddish hue appears because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths while allowing the longer red wavelengths to pass through and illuminate the Moon.

The eclipse will be visible to roughly 85 percent of people in Nepal, as well as in India, parts of Asia, Western Australia, and Europe—weather permitting.

According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnaya Bikas Samiti, the eclipse will begin at 10:11 p.m. tonight and end at 1:41 a.m.

Kathmandu residents can expect to witness the eclipse for about three and a half hours if skies remain clear.

Astronomically, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface.

Normally, the Moon shines by reflecting sunlight, but during an eclipse, the Earth blocks some or all of this light.

A complete lunar eclipse happens when the Moon is fully within the Earth’s shadow, while a partial eclipse occurs when only a portion is covered.

In contrast, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on Earth.

While many cultures regard eclipses as inauspicious, with some avoiding worship, meals, or certain activities during the period, scientists urge people to observe eclipses safely and scientifically.