A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from the UK this week, with around 93% of the Moon expected to be in the darkest part of Earth's shadow at the eclipse's maximum.
August has proved to be a thrilling month for astronomers, following the rare solar eclipse many of us witnessed earlier this month. The spectacle saw the Moon pass and cover over 90% of the Sun, which caused the light to dim slightly, leaving a beautiful crescent moon shape.
People met up with family and friends at beauty spots across Merseyside on a glorious summer evening to soak up the once-in-a-lifetime event. The next partial solar eclipse may not happen until 2050.
When the eclipse will be visible
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible from the UK and Ireland, with around 93% of the Moon in the darkest part of Earth's shadow at the eclipse's maximum.
Advice added: "During a partial lunar eclipse, the portion of the Moon within Earth's umbra (deep shadow) may appear reddish or copper-coloured. This is because sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere is scattered and refracted towards the Moon."
This 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.
Exact timings for the UK
The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the UK and Ireland. But the Moon's position in the sky will vary depending on your location. You don't need special glasses to view this eclipse, because it's as safe as looking at the full Moon.
Unlike during a solar eclipse, the whole of the British Isles will see the same percentage of the Moon in shadow.
The spectacle will begin in the early hours of Friday morning, at 2.23am. The Moon will move into the lighter part of Earth's shadow, 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.
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 complied a list of the best spots across Merseyside to see the eclipse.
