TMA announces six-hour lunar eclipse visible in Tanzania on September 7

What you need to know:

  • In Tanzania, the partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after sunset and continue until 2:29 am

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has announced that a rare lunar eclipse will occur on September 7, 2025.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface.

This phenomenon occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a straight line.

According to TMA, there are two main types of lunar eclipses: the first is a total lunar eclipse (Umbra), which occurs when the Earth completely blocks sunlight, casting a deep shadow across the moon’s surface.

The second is a partial lunar eclipse (Penumbra), which occurs when the Earth casts only a faint shadow over the moon.

“The upcoming eclipse will feature both partial and total phases. It will be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa,” reads part of a statement released on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

In Tanzania, the partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after sunset and continue until 2:29 am.

“The total eclipse will then follow from 2:30 am to 3:52 am, before the final partial eclipse phase, which will run from 3:53 am until 5:55 am. In total, the event is expected to last around six hours,” reads another part of a statement.

TMA further noted that the lunar cycle often influences ocean tides, noting that during this eclipse, a slight rise in sea levels is anticipated, although no significant impact is expected.