The longest solar eclipse in 2025... Will it be visible in the Arab world?

Arab Weather - September 2025 is brimming with a number of distinctive astronomical phenomena, most notably the rare cosmic spectacle the world witnessed on Sunday evening: a total lunar eclipse lasting approximately 82 minutes, transforming the moon into what is known as a "blood moon." The world is also anticipating a partial solar eclipse within days, which will obscure up to 85% of the moon's disk. However, this phenomenon will not be visible from any country in the Arab world.

A breathtaking celestial scene

The moon turned a deep red last Sunday evening, a phenomenon that astonished astronomy enthusiasts around the world. The "blood moon" was visible from Asia and large parts of Europe and Africa. This eclipse is the second of its kind in 2025, following the one in March.

Astronomers explained that the moon's blood-red color is due to the passage of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere before being reflected off the lunar surface. Blue wavelengths are scattered while red wavelengths pass through, giving it its majestic color.

Partial solar eclipse on September 21-22

The world is anticipating the 2025 solar eclipse, which will occur on September 21. It is considered one of the most important astronomical events of this year, following the blood moon eclipse on September 7. The eclipse will last for four hours and twenty-four minutes, with the partial eclipse beginning at 7:30 a.m. UTC time, and the total eclipse reaching its peak at 10:07 a.m., and the event ending completely at 12:44 p.m. An eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, partially or completely blocking its light in specific areas of the world.

However, the Arab world will not be able to witness it, as the eclipse path is limited to the Southern Hemisphere and the Pacific Ocean. Unlike a lunar eclipse, which is safe to observe with the naked eye, observing a solar eclipse requires the use of special eclipse glasses or approved filters to protect the eyes from harm.