A blood moon will grace the pre-dawn sky in the UK this Friday as a partial lunar eclipse takes place. The Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, darkening before turning a deep red. While the UK will only see a partial eclipse, the event promises a breathtaking sight, weather permitting.
The last total lunar eclipse in the UK was in 2022, making this a must-see event for astronomy lovers.
When to Watch the Eclipse
The lunar eclipse will unfold in stages:
- 03:57 GMT – The Moon enters Earth’s penumbral shadow, causing subtle dimming.
- 05:09 GMT – The partial eclipse begins as the Moon moves into the darker part of the shadow.
- 06:19 GMT – The eclipse reaches its maximum visibility in the UK.
- 06:58 GMT – The eclipse peaks, but by then, the Moon will have set in the UK.
Observers in North America, South America, and Greenland will witness a total eclipse, where the entire Moon turns red.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves directly between the Sun and Moon, blocking sunlight. There are three types of lunar eclipses:
- Total lunar eclipse – The entire Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, turning red.
- Partial lunar eclipse – Only part of the Moon enters the shadow, leaving a dark section.
- Penumbral lunar eclipse – A faint event where the Moon passes through Earth’s outer shadow.
The blood moon effect occurs due to Rayleigh scattering, the same process that makes the sky blue and sunsets red. Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing only red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon, creating its eerie glow.
Read: Fast-Moving Stars Confirm Supermassive Black Hole in Nearby Galaxy
Best Way to See the Eclipse
For the best view, head to a dark, open area with a clear view of the western horizon. The Moon will be setting in the west, so an unobstructed view is crucial.
Here are some tips for the best experience:
- Check the weather forecast to avoid disappointment.
- Use a red torch instead of a white one to preserve night vision.
- Dress warmly as pre-dawn temperatures can be cold.
Astronomer Imo Bell from the Royal Observatory encourages everyone to watch: “Even if you have to wake up early, it’s worth it. Seeing a blood moon in real life is an incredible experience.”
Will the Weather Cooperate?
A weather front will bring cloud, rain, or snow to parts of the UK overnight. However, clear skies are expected in Northern Ireland, Scotland, southern England, and Wales, offering a good chance to witness the eclipse.
Next Lunar Eclipse in the UK
If you miss this event, the next visible lunar eclipse in the UK will occur on 7 September 2025. Until then, this blood moon offers a rare and mesmerizing celestial show.
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