Skywatchers in the UK are in for a treat on 7 September 2025, when a total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a striking red, earning it the name 'Blood Moon'. The event, which coincides with the Corn Moon, will be visible across much of the globe, with around 60 per cent of the world's population able to see the entire eclipse.
In the UK, the eclipse will begin just after 7pm BST, with the maximum phase occurring at approximately 7.33pm, according to the Royal Observatory. The Moon will be low in the sky, making an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon essential for the best experience. Eastern parts of England, such as Great Yarmouth, will enjoy nearly 29 minutes of totality, while Manchester will see about 11 minutes as the Moon rises at 7.41pm, just before the eclipse peaks at 7.52pm.
Western regions, including parts of Wales, Scotland and all of Northern Ireland, will only witness a partial lunar eclipse. The September eclipse is the longest since 2022, with totality visible across Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. According to Timeanddate, 86 per cent of the global population lies within the path where at least some of the total phase will be visible.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow, and the reddish hue is caused by sunlight filtering through the Earth's atmosphere. NASA describes the phenomenon as 'all the world's sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon.' The UK has already seen two eclipses this year, including a partial solar and a partial lunar eclipse in March 2025.
