The Maldives will witness a rare total lunar eclipse on Sunday night, with the moon turning a deep red as it passes through the Earth’s shadow.
The event, visible to the naked eye across the country, will unfold between 8:28 p.m. and 1:55 a.m., reaching its peak at 11:11 p.m. During the total phase, the moon will take on a striking reddish hue, often referred to as a “blood moon.”
Clear skies are expected across much of the country on Sunday night, though the Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast partly cloudy conditions in the southern atolls, which could disrupt viewing.
The phenomenon, caused when the sun, Earth and moon align perfectly in a straight line, will also be visible across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, western North America, eastern South America, as well as over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and even the poles.
In a circular sent to all island councils on Saturday, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs directed them to organise special eclipse prayer congregations at the largest mosque on each inhabited island.
“The secretariat of your council is requested to arrange for the eclipse prayer congregation to be held at the largest mosque on every inhabited island across the country on Sunday night, 7 September 2025, at 11:12 p.m.,” the circular said.