Lunar Eclipse to Paint Moon Crimson Over the UK Next Week

A total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a Blood Moon, is set to occur over the UK next week, allowing viewers a rare opportunity to witness the Moon transform into a deep crimson hue. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this celestial event will take place on September 7, 2025, with specific viewing times that astronomy enthusiasts should note.

A Blood Moon is the result of a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that envelops the lunar body. During this phenomenon, the Moon often takes on a reddish color due to sunlight being filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. This refracted light is the only illumination reaching the Moon, rather than direct sunlight, which typically gives the Moon its bright white appearance.

Viewing the Upcoming Lunar Eclipse

For those in the UK, the eclipse is expected to be visible, although conditions may make it challenging to see. The Moon will rise above the horizon just in time for the eclipse, but viewers will need to contend with its low position in the sky. The maximum eclipse is predicted to occur at 19:33 BST, with the peak of the eclipse happening at 19:11 BST, when the Moon will be below the horizon. The entire event will conclude around 21:55 BST.

Astronomers recommend finding a high vantage point with an unobstructed view to the east in order to maximize visibility. Clear skies are crucial, as cloud cover can obscure the view entirely. The last total lunar eclipse visible in the UK occurred on May 16, 2022, with the previous one in July 2018.

Understanding Lunar Eclipses

Lunar eclipses come in several varieties, each defined by how the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. The least dramatic is the penumbral lunar eclipse, where the Moon only partially enters the outer shadow of Earth, resulting in a subtle shading. More striking is the partial lunar eclipse, where the Moon travels through both the penumbra and the umbra, the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, leading to significant darkening of part of the lunar surface.

In contrast, a total lunar eclipse, which results in the Blood Moon, occurs when the entire Moon passes through the umbra. This alignment produces the captivating red coloration that characterizes the event. The scientific community has long studied the Moon, which is Earth’s only natural satellite and has been an object of fascination since ancient times.

The Moon, measuring approximately 3,474 kilometers in diameter, has been a subject of exploration since the first spacecraft reached it in 1959 as part of the Soviet Union’s lunar program. The first successful manned mission to orbit the Moon was NASA’s Apollo 8 in 1968, followed by the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, which marked the first human landing on the lunar surface.

As the next total lunar eclipse approaches, astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike are encouraged to prepare for this spectacular event. Whether experiencing it for the first time or as a seasoned observer, the Blood Moon promises to be a captivating sight, provided the weather cooperates.