A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the UK in the early hours of Friday, August 28, with around 93% of the Moon in the darkest part of Earth's shadow at the eclipse's maximum. The spectacle begins at around 2.20am and lasts until around 6.50am, though timings will differ depending on location.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to take on a deep red colour. The event follows the rare solar eclipse that occurred earlier this month, making August an exciting month for stargazers.
What time will the partial lunar eclipse happen?
The spectacle will begin in the early hours of Friday morning at 2.23am, when the Moon moves into the lighter part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra. The darkening of the Moon will be subtle initially, becoming more prominent as the Moon moves deeper into the penumbra.
The partial phase of the lunar eclipse will begin at 3.33am, when the Moon starts moving into Earth's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. The Moon will travel further into the umbra until the maximum of the eclipse at 5.12am, with roughly 93% of its visible surface in the darkest part of the shadow.
The partial eclipse will end at around 6.51am, but the Moon will have set below the horizon before then, at approximately 6.15am in London. Timings will vary across the country.
Where can you see the eclipse?
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, people in the UK and Ireland will be able to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse. The partial eclipse will also be visible from North and South America, Africa and other parts of Europe. For some time zones, the eclipse will occur in the late hours of August 27.
For the best chance of seeing the full spectacle clearly, Royal Museums Greenwich said you'll need to find a high point with a clear view to the southwest. The ECHO previously compiled a list of the best spots across Merseyside to see the solar eclipse earlier this month.
Do you need special glasses?
Earlier this month, thousands of people across the UK purchased special solar eclipse glasses, with major retailers completely running out of stock. However, you don't need special glasses to view this eclipse. Royal Museums Greenwich said looking at a lunar eclipse is as safe as looking at the full Moon.
