Sky-watchers across the UK will have the chance to see a striking partial lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, during the early hours of Friday.
The eclipse will begin at 2.23am, when the Moon enters the penumbra, the lighter outer part of the Earth’s shadow. At first, the dimming will be subtle and may be difficult to notice with the naked eye.
The more obvious partial phase begins at 3.33am, as the Moon moves into the umbra, the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow. From this point, observers may see a curved shadow gradually spreading across the lunar surface.
Maximum eclipse will occur at 5.12am, when around 93% of the Moon will be immersed in the Earth’s darkest shadow. Although the partial phase continues until approximately 6.51am, the Moon will already have set across the UK by then. In London, moonset is expected at around 6.15am, with timings varying elsewhere.
Where will viewing conditions be best?
Weather conditions are expected to be challenging for many hoping to see the eclipse.
At the beginning of the event, cloud is forecast across Cornwall and Devon, Wales, the Midlands, parts of northwest England, and most of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Patchier cloud is expected across northeast England.
The best initial viewing opportunities are therefore likely to be across southern and eastern England. These areas are expected to remain relatively cloud-free from around 2am, potentially allowing observers to see the opening stages of the eclipse.
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However, cloud is forecast to increase across the south and east as the night progresses. Cloud amounts are also expected to build elsewhere across the UK, meaning conditions may become increasingly unfavourable before the eclipse reaches its maximum at 5.12am.
As a result, there may not be one location offering ideal conditions throughout the event. The greatest chance of seeing something is likely to be across southern and eastern England during its earlier stages, before cloud becomes more extensive. Elsewhere, any temporary breaks in the cloud could still provide brief views.
Cloud cover can vary over relatively short distances, so those planning to watch should check the latest local forecast before setting out.
Where should you look?
A hill, coastline or another open location may offer a better view, provided local weather conditions are suitable. The Moon’s low position also means that even where there are gaps in the cloud, cloud close to the horizon could obscure the event.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch directly. No specialist eye protection is required, although binoculars may provide a more detailed view if skies are clear.
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Why is it called a blood moon?
Friday’s event is technically a deep partial lunar eclipse. Nowhere in the world will see the Moon become completely covered by the Earth’s umbra, but approximately 93% will enter the darkest part of the shadow at maximum.
The term “blood moon” refers to the reddish or copper colour that the eclipsed portion of the Moon may take on. Sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere is scattered and bent towards the Moon. Shorter blue wavelengths are scattered more strongly, while more of the red light reaches the lunar surface.
For UK observers, the weather may ultimately decide how much of Friday’s spectacle can be seen. Southern and eastern England appear to have the best early opportunity, but increasing cloud means that even here the view is far from guaranteed.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
