Full corn moon rises, but total lunar eclipse missed in North America

In the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in North America, the full corn moon rose on Sunday, September 7, 2025. This celestial event, which marks the final full moon of summer, occurred just hours after a total lunar eclipse took place. While regions such as Australia, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe experienced the total lunar eclipse, North Americans only witnessed the full corn moon glowing in the sky. The moon reached its full phase at 2:10 p.m. EDT, but for those in North America, it was not until the evening that they saw the moon rise during dusk. Although the entire eclipse spanned approximately five hours, the visibility for the total lunar eclipse was restricted to those on the night side of the Earth. Consequently, while the full moon appeared to North American observers as a normal orangey disk rising in the east, the moon turned reddish-orange for those in the regions where the eclipse was visible. The duration of totality during the eclipse was 82 minutes, offering a brief yet spectacular display for those fortunate enough to view it. The safety of observing a lunar eclipse is a significant aspect that differentiates it from a solar eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear and special filters to observe, lunar eclipses can be viewed safely with the naked eye. This accessibility allows more people to enjoy the beauty of the moon as it undergoes changes during an eclipse. Looking forward, the next opportunity for North Americans to witness a total lunar eclipse will be on March 2-3, 2026. This upcoming event will also feature a blood moon that lasts nearly an hour, adding excitement for skywatchers. Prior to this, a partial solar eclipse is set to occur on September 21-22, 2025, which will be visible from various countries in the Southern Hemisphere, with some areas experiencing up to an 85% eclipse at sunrise. These celestial events not only create a sense of wonder but also inspire people to connect with astronomy and the cosmos beyond their immediate surroundings.