On 7 September, 2025 a Total Lunar Eclipse was visible in Egypt.
Guests on tour with Dahabiya Nile Sailing and with our sister company Real Fayoum watched from the Nile and the desert, and our photographer caught the beauty of this experience to share with you.
The moon does not have light of its own, it shines because its surface reflects sunlight. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon and cuts off the moon’s light supply. The surface of the Moon takes on a red glow instead of going completely dark.
In Egypt, the eclipse began close to sunset time and its stages continued for almost 5 hours. Fayoum and other desert locations in Egypt, and the Nile beyond the big cities are excellent locations to enjoy astro events, due to lack of light pollution and the sky often being clear of clouds.
In ancient Egypt lunar and solar eclipses were considered forms of disruption to the natural order, signs of cosmic turmoil or the displeasure of the gods. They were connected to religious stories where deities like Seth threatened the celestial order by attacking the moon. Thoth, the god of knowledge and mathematics, was often associated with restoring order after these events.
Telescopes were not essential to enjoy this eclipse. If the sky is free of cloud, a total lunar eclipse can be seen clearly with unaided eyes, while binoculars or a camera with zoom improve views.
Major mosques across Egypt held Salat Al-Khusuf (the Lunar Eclipse Prayer) on this evening. The aim was to revive the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, in responding to natural phenomena. The prayer is performed any time from the beginning of the eclipse until its end. The lunar eclipse prayer consists of two rak‘ahs (units of prayer), each with two standings, two Quran recitations, two bowings, and two prostrations.
The next Total Lunar Eclipse visible in Egypt will be on 31 December, 2028.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram for announcements of future eclipse tours and events.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR
Join us on the Nile for our special Dahabiya Nile Sailing event in August 2027, when we will be in Luxor for the Total Solar Eclipse Egypt Tour
