A rare celestial event will take place this weekend as a “blood moon” rises during a total lunar eclipse on Sunday, 7 September.
It is the first eclipse visible in the UK since 2022, though the view will be clearer in parts of Africa and the Middle East. “As soon as the Moon rises from behind the horizon, it will be darker and redder than usual.”
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight. The remaining light scatters through Earth’s atmosphere, making the Moon glow red.
The event begins at 4:28pm UK time, with the full eclipse starting about an hour later. However, the Moon won’t rise in the UK until 7:30pm, meaning viewers will only catch the second half. The best views will be from high points looking east.
Those who miss it won’t have another chance until 28 August 2026, when the UK will see its next total lunar eclipse.
