Stargazers are in for a treat this month as the first total lunar eclipse in over two years will take the night sky stage. Visible from the UK, US, and various global spots, viewers won’t need any special gear to witness it.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses occur when the full Moon drifts into Earth’s shadow, known as the ‘umbra. ‘ Astronomy specialists at Starwalk indicate parts of Europe will catch a glimpse, while across the pond, Americans will enjoy prime viewing of the ensuing ‘Blood Moon’.
The name ‘Blood Moon’ may sound ominous, but it simply refers to the coppery red hue that bathes the Moon during such an eclipse. Specialists at the Natural History Museum clarify the science behind the spectacle: “The Moon turns red during an eclipse because of how the Sun’s light interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.
“As it hits the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light such as the colour blue are scattered outwards. Longer wavelengths like red, however, are bent or refracted into Earth’s umbra.
“When these strike the surface of the Moon, they can make it appear red – a similar process to how the sky appears red during a sunrise or sunset.”
The event is set to take place between March 13 and 14, though the exact timing will depend on your location in the world. For Londoners, the Royal Greenwich Observatory states the eclipse’s peak will be at the early hour of 6.19 am on March 14.
However, mobile astronomy apps like Sky Tonight provide more specific details based on your location. “During this eclipse, almost all of the Moon will be in Earth’s umbra,” experts at Greenwich explain.
“The Moon will first move into Earth’s penumbra at 3.57 am GMT. The maximum of the eclipse in London will be at 6.19am, because during the eclipse’s actual maximum at 6.58, the Moon will have set below the horizon.
“Getting to a high point with a clear western view will allow you to see more of this eclipse.” The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled for September 7, just after 7 pm in the UK.
However, mobile astronomy apps like Sky Tonight provide more specific details based on your location. “During this eclipse, almost all of the Moon will be in Earth’s umbra,” experts at Greenwich explain.
Total lunar eclipses typically occur every two to three years. Starwalk also notes: “During the total lunar eclipse in March 2025, the Moon will turn red — but not as dark as during some eclipses. That’s because it won’t pass through the deepest part of Earth’s shadow (the centre of the inner circle in the image below). Instead, expect the Moon to take on a brighter red or coppery hue.
“This eclipse will also feature a Micromoon, meaning the Moon will be slightly farther from Earth and will appear slightly smaller than usual — though the difference is so subtle, you might not even notice it.”