A partial lunar eclipse, known as a Blood Moon, will light up UK skies in the early hours of Friday, just a fortnight after the partial solar eclipse. At its peak, around 93% of the Moon will be covered by the darkest part of Earth's shadow.
Best viewing spots in the UK
The Met Office said on Wednesday that “conditions are expected to be challenging for many hoping to see the eclipse” due to clouds. However, two parts of Britain have the best chance of catching the event.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “The greatest chance of seeing something is likely to be across southern and eastern England during its earlier stages, before cloud becomes more extensive.” These areas are expected to remain relatively cloud-free from around 2am, potentially allowing skywatchers to catch the opening stages.
Cloud forecast and timing
The forecaster added: “Elsewhere, any temporary breaks in the cloud could still provide brief views.” However, cloud is forecast to increase across the south and east as the night progresses, and cloud amounts are also expected to build elsewhere across the UK, meaning conditions may become increasingly unfavourable before the eclipse reaches its maximum at 5.12am.
At the beginning of the celestial event, clouds are forecast across Cornwall and Devon, Wales, the Midlands, parts of northwest England, and most of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Patchier clouds are also expected across northeast England.
Eclipse stages and viewing advice
The event will begin at 2.23am when the Moon enters the penumbra, the lighter outer region of Earth's shadow, causing a gradual and initially faint dimming. At 3.33am BST, the partial phase starts as the Moon moves into the darker umbra, with the shadow steadily spreading across its surface.
The eclipse will reach its peak at 5.12am, when around 93% of the Moon will be immersed in the deepest part of Earth's shadow. Although the partial eclipse is set to continue until about 6.51am, many observers will miss its final stages as the Moon will dip below the horizon at around 6.15am in London, with moonset times varying across the country. Those wishing to catch the partial lunar eclipse should check the latest local forecast before setting out.
