Sky-watchers across much of the UK are in for a celestial treat this Sunday evening as a total lunar eclipse transforms the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon.”

As the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, it will take on a deep red hue, a phenomenon caused by sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.

When and Where to Watch in the UK

• The total eclipse runs from 18:30 to 19:52 BST.
• Because the Moon rises later in the UK, visibility depends on location.
  • Norwich (east England): Moonrise at 19:25, offering one of the best views.
  • Wales and Cornwall (west UK): Only a minute or two of totality visible.
  • Northern Ireland & western Scotland: Will miss totality but may see the Moon partially in shadow.

Astronomer Dr Edward Bloomer of the Royal Observatory Greenwich explained: “In the UK we won’t see the deepest red of the eclipse, and most people will need to wait 10–20 minutes after moonrise for the Moon to clear the horizon. But it’s worth watching—you get to see the mechanics of the solar system in action.”

Where Else Can You See It?
While most of the Americas won’t catch this eclipse, it will be fully visible across eastern Africa, the Middle East, much of Asia, and western Australia.

What Is a Blood Moon?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow across the lunar surface.

• During total eclipse, the Moon is completely covered by Earth’s shadow, often turning deep red—creating the famous “Blood Moon.”
• Penumbral eclipse: The Moon travels through Earth’s outer shadow, producing a faint dimming.

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK took place in 2022, making this event a rare spectacle not to be missed.