Blood Moon: Kenyans to watch rare total lunar eclipse on Sunday
During the 82 minutes, the moon will darken enough to allow the night sky to come alive with stars.
Kenyans will have the rare chance to witness a total lunar eclipse, popularly called a Blood Moon, on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025.
At the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the courtyard is expected to be filled with stargazers.
For those watching from Nairobi, the celestial sighting begins around 6:25 pm with a faint penumbral shadow.
During the 82 minutes, the moon will darken enough to allow the night sky to come alive with stars.
Sharp-eyed sky observers may see planet Saturn, which is a bright yellow point of light near the moon.
The Kenya Space Agency says, unlike solar eclipses, this lunar marvel will be 100% safe to view with the naked eye, and no special equipment will be required.
The sighting is considered rare due to factors such as the Sun, Earth, and Moon must align perfectly in a straight line, with the Moon in the full moon phase.
The rare event will coincide with the Ministry of Tourism's hosting of an Astro-tourism experience in Samburu County to diversify Kenya's tourism offering.
"The project will integrate the indigenous astronomical knowledge of Samburu communities, offering visitors a unique cultural perspective on the stars. Visitors can combine night sky explorations with daytime wildlife safaris and nature walks to enrich their overall experience," says Magical Kenya.
Other locations to watch the spectacular “blood moon” at 8:30 pm include The Landing in Nanyuki, Waterfront in Karen, Nairobi, Fort Place Grill in Kabete, Kiambu County and Ileret Campus of Turkana Basin Institute.
The Timeline
Moon seen above the horizon: 06:40 PM
Total Red Moon Phase Start: 08:30 PM
Maximum visibility: 09:11 PM
Red Moon Phase End: 09:52 PM
Totality duration: 1 hour 22 minutes
