KEYIR NEWS - Addis Ababa and several other parts of Ethiopia witnessed a rare celestial spectacle last night as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon,” lit up the night sky in striking shades of red.
The phenomenon occurred when the Earth passed directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Instead of disappearing from sight, the Moon glowed with deep copper and crimson hues, an effect caused by sunlight bending through the Earth’s atmosphere and scattering onto the Moon.
In Addis Ababa, residents gathered on rooftops, open fields, and public spaces to watch the eclipse unfold. Similar scenes were reported across cities including Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, and Jimma, where clear skies offered uninterrupted views of the event.
The totality phase lasted more than an hour, giving millions of Ethiopians a rare opportunity to experience the spectacle in unison.
Community reactions reflected both awe and curiosity. Families and neighbors came together to share the moment, while university students and astronomy clubs organized public viewings.
Addis Ababa University’s Astronomy Club, for instance, set up telescopes for the community and explained the science behind the eclipse, noting that such events are an important way to inspire young Ethiopians toward science and discovery.
The lunar eclipse also carried cultural significance. In Ethiopia, eclipses have historically been linked to traditional beliefs and interpretations, but growing scientific awareness has shifted the understanding toward education and wonder. Unlike solar eclipses, experts reminded the public that lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
Social media quickly filled with images and videos capturing the glowing red Moon from different corners of the country. Even pilots on Ethiopian Airlines flights reported extraordinary views of the eclipse from high altitude, describing it as a remarkable sight above the clouds.
Astronomers noted that the next total lunar eclipse visible across Ethiopia will not occur for several years, making last night’s Blood Moon an especially memorable occasion.
For many Ethiopians, the event was not only a moment of scientific curiosity but also a shared national experience, uniting people under the same sky.