How to see Sunday's 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse

On Sunday evening, people across the UK will have the chance to witness a fascinating astronomical event known as a 'Blood Moon. ' This occurs during a total lunar eclipse, which is when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. As a result, the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, and the Moon appears red because the sunlight bends and passes through Earth's atmosphere. The full Moon will take on a deep red color, creating a dramatic sight for anyone watching the sky. Although the eclipse will begin while the Moon is still below the horizon in the UK, it will rise in total eclipse at around 19:30, just as the Sun is setting. This means viewers in the UK will be able to catch the second half of the eclipse. People living in eastern Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia will be able to see the entire event from start to finish.

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK happened in 2022. The eclipse has several phases. The penumbral phase, when the Moon first enters Earth's faint outer shadow, starts at 16:28 BST. The partial eclipse, when the Moon moves into Earth's darker central shadow called the umbra, begins at 17:27 BST. The eclipse reaches its peak at around 19:11 BST, which is about 20 minutes before the Moon rises in the UK. If the weather is clear, people will be able to see the Moon in its red glory before it gradually leaves Earth's shadow. Dr Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained that people in the UK might not see the most intense red color, and most will have to wait a little after moonrise for the Moon to be visible above the horizon. However, he encourages everyone to watch because it shows the mechanics of the solar system in action. He said, 'This is not a special effect. There's nothing else it could be - this must be what's happening in real life in front of you. '

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. There are three main types of lunar eclipses. A total lunar eclipse is when the Moon is completely covered by Earth's shadow and turns a striking red. A partial lunar eclipse is when only part of the Moon passes into Earth's shadow, creating a visible dark segment. A penumbral lunar eclipse is a more subtle event, where the Moon travels through the outer part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a faint dimming. Lunar eclipses are often called 'Blood Moons' because of the reddish color the Moon takes on during the event. In the past, people thought a Blood Moon was a bad omen, but it's actually caused by the refraction of light through Earth's atmosphere, similar to what makes sunsets red. The red color is due to a phenomenon called 'Rayleigh scattering,' which also makes the sky blue and sunsets red. During a lunar eclipse, the light that reaches the Moon has passed through Earth's atmosphere, so it's as if every sunrise and sunset on Earth is shining on the Moon.

To get the best view of the eclipse, find a spot with a clear view of the horizon before 19:30. In cities, hills or popular viewpoints are good places to watch. Binoculars or a telescope can help you see the details, but you don't need them to enjoy the eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, which can damage your eyes if you look directly at them, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye because the Moon's reflected light isn't bright enough to harm you. Cloud cover might affect visibility, so it's a good idea to check your local weather forecast before heading out. The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will be on 28 August 2026, so mark your calendar for another chance to see this amazing event. On Sunday, the clearest skies for viewing the lunar eclipse are expected to be across the eastern half of the UK, but weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on the forecast as the weekend approaches. Elizabeth Rizzini, a BBC Weather Presenter, also contributed to this report.