JUST weeks after the UK experienced its most dramatic partial solar eclipse in nearly 30 years, we’re getting another stunning display in the sky.
Tonight, the UK will experience a deep partial lunar eclipse, with over 93% of the Moon’s face plunging into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Jattvibe and the Moon Credit: AFP
A ‘Blood Moon’ is a phenomenon caused by a total or near-total lunar eclipse Credit: Getty
It will look almost identical to a total lunar eclipse.
What is a Blood Moon?
The Blood Moon is a phenomenon caused by a total or near-total lunar eclipse.
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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Jattvibe and the Moon, stopping sunlight from directly reaching the lunar surface.
During a lunar eclipse, instead of bright, direct rays, the Moon receives only indirect sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere.
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This atmospheric filtering scatters shorter blue light waves and lets longer red wavelengths pass through, casting a deep crimson or copper glow across the lunar surface – the “Blood Moon” effect.
These wavelengths are then reflected back towards Earth.
When is the lunar eclipse?
You’ll want to set your alarm for the early hours of Friday, August 28 if you want to step outside and enjoy the show.
The action kicks off at 2.23am, as Earth’s outer shadow first touches the Moon, causing a subtle dimming.
The partial eclipse officially begins at 3.33am, when a distinct dark “bite” will appear across the lunar disk as it enters the Earth’s main shadow.
The peak of the eclipse will arrive at 5.12am, when maximum coverage will cause the Moon to glow in dramatic reddish-orange hues – the “Blood Moon” effect.
Around 6.15am, the Moon dips below the horizon, wrapping up visibility across the UK.
Where should I watch the lunar eclipse?
Getting a good view of peak eclipse will require some forward planning, due to how low the Moon will be in the sky – roughly eight degrees above the west-southwest horizon.
Your primary goal is securing an unobstructed line of sight.
Seek out high ground like a local hilltop, an open park, or a west-facing coastline to ensure tall buildings, trees, or hills don’t block your view.
While the red glow of the Moon will be bright enough to spot from suburban back gardens, stepping away from light pollution and city streetlights will make the spectacle more vivid.
Unlike the solar eclipse seen earlier this month, you can leave the specialist eyewear in the drawer and look directly at the Moon with the naked eye.
You don’t need to bring any special gear, but if you’re lucky enough to own a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, you should be able to get a closer look at the crimson-lit craters.
