Sunday evening’s plans just got a lot more interesting. The UK is about to witness its first Blood Moon lunar eclipse in over three years, and if you’ve never seen one before, you’re in for something pretty special.
But there’s a catch that makes this weekend’s event different from what most people expect.
What Makes This Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse So Special?
The is happening on Sunday, September 7, isn’t your typical astronomical event. This is the first total lunar eclipse visible from the UK since May 2022, which means most people haven’t seen anything like this for years.
What’s really interesting about this Blood Moon lunar eclipse is the timing. Unlike the last one where Brits had to wake up at 2am, this celestial show happens right around dinnertime. The maximum eclipse occurs at 7:33pm BST, making it perfect for families to watch together.
The Moon will actually rise already eclipsed. That’s right – when it appears on the eastern horizon around 7:45pm, it’ll already be deep red and in the middle of totality.
Why Do We Call It a Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse?
The name sounds dramatic, but there’s real science behind why this lunar eclipse turns our Moon into a “Blood Moon.” When Earth sits directly between the Sun and Moon, our planet blocks most of the sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.
But Earth’s atmosphere acts like a giant lens, bending some sunlight around our planet’s edges. The atmosphere filters out blue light but lets red light through – basically creating the combined effect of every sunrise and sunset on Earth at that moment.
This filtered red light is what gives the Blood Moon lunar eclipse its distinctive copper-red glow. The exact shade depends on how much dust and clouds are in Earth’s atmosphere at the time.
Where and When to Catch the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
The best viewing time for this Blood Moon lunar eclipse is between 7:30pm and 9:55pm on Sunday evening. The Royal Observatory Greenwich says “the maximum will occur at 7.33pm BST from the UK, with the eclipse’s actual maximum at 7.11pm when the Moon is below the horizon.”
Here’s the challenge: the Moon will be quite low on the eastern horizon, making this trickier to spot than usual. You’ll need a clear view to the east and preferably somewhere high up, away from buildings and trees.
The eclipse expert Pete Lawrence from BBC’s Sky at Night explains that “a totally eclipsed Moon is darker than a normal, uneclipsed Moon” and being low in the sky makes it even harder to see through the evening twilight.
What You’ll Actually See During the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
Don’t expect a Hollywood-style dramatic transformation. This Blood Moon lunar eclipse will look quite different from what you might imagine. The Moon rises already red and eclipsed, then gradually becomes brighter and more normal-looking as Earth’s shadow moves away.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is an oddly-shaped Moon – “almost as if someone has taken a slice of regular Moon and placed it in the sky,” according to astronomy experts. The red colour might be quite subtle at first, especially low on the horizon.
As the evening progresses, the Blood Moon lunar eclipse will show the Moon gradually returning to its normal silver colour. The whole process ends around 9:55pm when the Moon completely exits Earth’s shadow.
Getting the Best View of the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy this. It’s perfectly safe to look at with your naked eyes – this isn’t a solar eclipse where you need protective gear.
That said, a pair of binoculars will show more detail and make the red colour more obvious. If you have a telescope, you’ll be able to see individual craters and lunar features during the eclipse.
The key is finding the right location. Look for somewhere with a clear eastern horizon – hilltops, beaches, or even upper floors of buildings work well. Parks and open spaces are ideal for watching this Blood Moon lunar eclipse with the family.
Weather Concerns for Sunday’s Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
Unfortunately, the weather forecast isn’t looking perfect for this Blood Moon lunar eclipse. The Met Office is predicting “changeable weather conditions” with possible rain and clouds affecting different parts of the UK.
If your area gets clouded out, don’t panic. Several astronomy organizations are planning to livestream the Blood Moon lunar eclipse online. The Virtual Telescope YouTube channel will have coverage if the weather doesn’t cooperate in your location.
Check your local weather forecast on Saturday evening and have a backup indoor plan ready. Even if clouds block part of the Blood Moon lunar eclipse, you might still catch glimpses when the sky clears.
Why This Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Is Extra Rare
Missing Sunday’s event means waiting quite a while for another chance. The next lunar eclipse visible from the UK won’t happen until August 28, 2026 – and that one will only be partial, not a full Blood Moon lunar eclipse.
For another total Blood Moon lunar eclipse like Sunday’s, you’ll have to wait until December 21, 2028. That’s over three years away, making this weekend’s event something you really don’t want to miss.
The timing is particularly special because this Blood Moon lunar eclipse happens during the “Corn Moon” – the traditional name for September’s full Moon. Having a total eclipse during harvest season is considered quite lucky in folklore.
Photographing the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
Want to capture this Blood Moon lunar eclipse with your phone? It’s definitely possible, though you’ll need to be smart about it. Use a tripod or at least brace your phone against something steady – the Moon will be dimmer than usual during the eclipse.
Turn off auto-focus and lower your phone’s exposure settings. The Blood Moon lunar eclipse will be much darker than a regular full Moon, so your camera might struggle with automatic settings.
Don’t expect professional-quality results, but you should be able to capture the basic red colour and shape of the eclipsed Moon. The experience of watching the Blood Moon lunar eclipse with your own eyes will be far more impressive than any photo.
What Happens After Sunday’s Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse
Sunday’s astronomical show doesn’t end with the eclipse. The Moon will appear very close to Saturn in the sky, creating a beautiful pairing of our natural satellite with the ringed planet.
On Monday, September 8, the Moon and Saturn will be even closer together as they rise above the eastern horizon. It’s a perfect opportunity to continue your weekend stargazing session.
This Blood Moon lunar eclipse also kicks off what astronomers are calling “astronomy season” – the darker autumn and winter months when sky watching becomes really spectacular. We’re heading into the best time of year for spotting planets, stars, and other celestial events.
So set your alarm for Sunday evening, check the weather forecast, and prepare for what could be the most memorable Blood Moon lunar eclipse many people will see for years to come.
