Blood moon 2025: Rare lunar eclipse will be visible in UK today – here’s how to see it

Blood moon partial eclipse. — The blood moon will be visible to people in the UK during the early hours of Friday morning (Picture: AP)

Stargazers are in for a treat as a partial lunar eclipse will take place just before dawn today.

Those lucky enough – and awake early enough – will be able to watch as the moon darkens as it moves into the Earth’s shadow.

It will eventually turn red, earning its ‘blood moon’ nickname.

In a partial lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon are almost, rather than fully, aligned. This means a dark section appears on the moon.

The last total lunar eclipse was in May 2022 when the moon turned completely red.

When is the lunar eclipse?

The moon will start to turn red at around 5.30am and will be most visible just before 6.30am, according to astronomers.

This is the best point to head out early to try and get a glimpse. Somewhere remote and clear so you can see the sky is best.

How to see the lunar eclipse?

A clear and dark location is often the best.

Two families are enjoying a low-budget trip away from the city, glamping at a suburban campground they had reserved via the Internet. — This is the first time a partial solar eclipse will be seen in the UK since 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)

Astronomer Jake Foster, at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: ‘The moon will be very low in the sky just above the western horizon, so the best place to see it will be somewhere with a clear view of the west, free of any obstructions like tall trees or buildings.

‘No equipment is required, but a pair of binoculars will enhance your view of this cosmic phenomenon.’

Imo Bell, from the Royal Observatory, said: ‘My top tip would be to make sure you have a good view of the western horizon, because the Moon will be in the west and it will be setting towards the western horizon.’

Imo also said that wearing a red torch will help eyes adjust to the darkness.

He added: ‘Even though some people might say it’s not that unusual to get a lunar eclipse, as we can see one every few years, next time it comes around, it might be cloudy.

‘So, if you can, definitely do get out and try and have a look.’

The Met Office said: ‘Early birds catch the Worm Moon.

‘Check local conditions to see if you’re in with a chance of spotting this celestial spectacle.’

According to the latest Met Office forecast, much of the UK will be covered by cloud when the eclipse will be most visible, apart from parts of the South East, East Anglia and central Scotland.

What is a blood moon?

This full lunar eclipse took place in April 2014.Lunar eclipse so-called "blood moon". This image (6 of 7) was taken in Montevideo, Uruguay, date time: 2014-04-15, 05:11. — The next eclipse is not expected for some time now (Picture: Getty Images)

The name ‘blood moon’ comes from the way in which the Moon turns a deep coppery red.

Mr Foster said: ‘When the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, the only sunlight that can reach the moon must first pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.

‘As sunlight enters the atmosphere, different wavelengths (and therefore colours) of light will be scattered and bounced around by differing amounts. Blue light scatters a great deal, which is why our skies are blue.

‘Red light is mostly unaffected by the gases of the atmosphere, so it travels all the way through them and out the other side where it can shine on the moon, making it appear red.’

The eclipse can be visible anywhere from Earth as long as the Moon is above the horizon.

For those across North America, some of South America and western Greenland, there will be a total eclipse.

A total eclipse is when the entire Moon moves into Earth’s shadow entirely.