A rare total lunar eclipse, often called a 'blood moon', will be visible from the UK on Sunday evening for the first time since 2022. The moon is expected to turn a deep red as the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.
According to the Met Office, the reddish hue occurs because the moon is illuminated by light that has passed through Earth's atmosphere, with blue light scattered and red wavelengths reaching the moon. The eclipse will peak in the UK at 7.33pm, and viewers are advised to find a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon, such as a hill or viewpoint, especially in built-up areas.
The eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses. Dr Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, noted that the moon will rise just in time for the tail end of the eclipse. He recommended facing east and finding a flat landscape or elevated position for the best visibility, adding that it is a great opportunity for observing with children.
The Met Office forecasts the clearest skies across the south-west and parts of eastern England. The next partial lunar eclipse visible from the UK will be in August 2026. Other regions well positioned to view the eclipse include Australia, China, India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa, while most of North and South America will miss out as they will be on the sunlit side of the planet.
