Catch Sunday’s Stunning Red Moon Eclipse Spectacle!

A Blood Moon is a fascinating event that happens during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. The Moon turns a deep red color because the sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the Moon. Tonight, people across much of the UK will have the chance to see this beautiful sight as the full Moon becomes a 'Blood Moon. ' As the Moon passes through Earth's shadow, it will take on a striking red hue, creating a memorable spectacle for sky-watchers.

The total lunar eclipse officially begins at 18:30 and lasts until 19:52, but you can only see it after the Moon rises in your area. People in the eastern parts of the UK, like Norwich, will see the Moon rise at 19:25 and get the longest view of the eclipse. In contrast, those in western Wales and Cornwall will only have a minute or two to see the event. Northern Ireland and western Scotland will not see the full eclipse but may catch a glimpse of the Earth's shadow crossing the Moon. Most of the Americas will miss this eclipse, but people in eastern Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia will be able to watch the entire event from start to finish.

Dr Edward Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained that people in the UK will not see the most dramatic red color that sometimes happens during lunar eclipses. Most people will need to wait 10 to 20 minutes after moonrise for the Moon to clear the horizon. He encourages everyone to watch because it is a chance to see the solar system in action. The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK was in 2022.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is completely covered by Earth's shadow and often turns red. Before and after the total eclipse, the Moon goes through other phases. In a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the outer part of Earth's shadow, causing a faint dimming. In a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the Moon enters Earth's shadow, creating a visible dark segment. The entire eclipse cycle on Sunday starts at 16:28 with the penumbral phase and ends at 21:55. The maximum eclipse happens at 19:11.

Lunar eclipses are sometimes 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 is simply the result of light bending through Earth's atmosphere, similar to how sunsets appear red. The reddish color is caused by '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 is as if every sunrise and sunset on Earth is shining on the Moon.

Total lunar eclipses do not happen every month because the Moon's orbit is tilted compared to Earth's orbit around the Sun. To see the eclipse, find a place with a clear view of the horizon before moonrise, such as a hill or popular viewpoint. Binoculars or a telescope can help you see more details, but you do not need them. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to look at with your eyes. Check the weather to make sure you will have a clear view. The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will be on 28 August 2026.

Most of England and Wales will have a good view of the eclipse, while Ireland and Northern Ireland will see part of it. Scotland and northern England may have limited or no view because of clouds and rain. During Sunday, heavy rain and thunderstorms will move across the UK, but the weather will improve in the afternoon for most areas except the far north. If you are planning to watch the lunar eclipse, look for clear skies and enjoy this rare and beautiful event.