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Why blood moon is more visible in Samburu County
07th September, 2025 09:20 PM
Kenyans are tonight, Sunday, September 7, 2025, witnessing a rare astronomical event, the blood moon, coinciding with Saturn’s alignment, lighting up skies across the country.
From the peaks of Mt. Kenya and the scenic Taita Hills to the sandy beaches along the Coast, Kenyans are enjoying spectacular views of the celestial display.
However, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service, Samburu County is standing out as one of the best places in Kenya where the rare astronomical event is more visible.
“Tonight, Kenya witnesses a rare celestial spectacle – a blood moon and Saturn alignment lighting up our skies. Why Samburu? It is one of the best places on earth to look up,” KWS stated.
“From Taita Hills to Mt. Kenya, to our beaches and Samburu, Kenya’s wild spaces are not just home to incredible wildlife, but also gateways to the stars.”
The blood moon and Saturn alignment are visible across Kenya from 8:30 pm until the early hours of September 8, with Samburu offering one of the clearest and most memorable views.
Reasons for more visibility
A blood moon appears more visible in places like Samburu because its location provides a remote environment with minimal light pollution and clear, equatorial skies, which are ideal for viewing celestial events.
While the red hue of a blood moon is caused by atmospheric refraction of sunlight during a lunar eclipse, Samburu’s dark, unblemished skies ensure these reddish hues are seen with greater clarity, enhancing the visual spectacle of the event.
Understanding the blood moon lunar eclipse
According to KSA, during the eclipse, the moon takes on a deep red hue, earning it the name blood moon.
This occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that filters sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere.
“A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the lunar surface,” KSA disclosed.
“This event can only occur during a full Moon, when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, making the perfect alignment possible.
The space agency further noted that the Moon turning red during a total lunar eclipse is among the most mesmerising sights and a reminder of the solar system’s graceful mechanics.
“Among all its phases and appearances, the Moon turning a deep, glowing red during a total lunar eclipse is one of the most mesmerising sights in the night sky, a reminder of the graceful mechanics of our solar system,” KSA added.
Other rare happenings
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, at the same time, the planet Saturn will also be visible.
“At the same time, the planet Saturn will be visible, adding a dazzling highlight to this already unforgettable night,” KWS revealed.
