A partial lunar eclipse will make the Moon glow a dramatic rust-orange-red in UK skies in the early hours of Friday, August 28. The event is set to begin at around 2.23am, according to Royal Museums Greenwich, with the Moon expected to turn an eerie orange-red by around 5.12am.
Second eclipse this month
The partial lunar eclipse comes just over two weeks after a deep partial solar eclipse visible from the UK. That event was the biggest solar eclipse in 27 years, with more than 90 per cent of the Sun obscured by the Moon.
Eclipses often come in pairs because of how the Moon's orbit is tilted toward Earth. An eclipse only happens when the Moon is in the right place in its orbit at the right time. When this happens, it also means the Moon and Earth will align at the other end of the orbit during the same lunar cycle, meaning solar and lunar eclipses typically come in pairs.
Why does the Moon go red?
At the maximum point of the eclipse, the Moon will appear to glow a rust-orange-red, also known as a 'Blood Moon'. While it won't be as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, the Moon should glow a muted red, with only a thin sliver remaining in direct sunlight.
The Moon turns red during a lunar eclipse due to the way sunlight is reflected through the Earth's atmosphere. This process is known as Rayleigh scattering – the same phenomenon responsible for blue skies and colourful sunsets. As sunlight, which is made up of different wavelengths of colour, passes through Earth's atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (like blue) are scattered in all directions, whereas longer wavelengths (red and orange) pass through.
How to view the eclipse
This month's partial lunar eclipse will take place just before sunrise, with the Moon low in the western sky. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the reddish-orange Moon will need a clear view of the horizon, away from tall trees and buildings, or from a hill with a clear view of the sky.
Unlike a solar eclipse, it is safe to view a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, and no special equipment is needed. However, the eclipse will only be visible if skies are clear, so be sure to check your local weather forecast in the days leading up to the lunar eclipse.
