Early-morning stargazers in the UK will have the chance to witness a celestial event this Friday as a partial lunar eclipse takes place just before dawn.

During the eclipse, Earth will cast its shadow on the Moon, though unlike other regions, the UK will only see a partial eclipse. If weather conditions allow, it will still be an impressive sight. As the Moon moves through Earth's shadow, it will gradually darken before taking on a reddish hue, creating a striking "blood moon" effect. The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK occurred in 2022.

When to Watch the Lunar Eclipse

The eclipse will begin with the penumbral phase at 03:57 GMT when the Moon first enters Earth’s outer shadow. The partial eclipse, where the darker inner shadow becomes visible, will start at 05:09.

By 06:58, the eclipse will reach its peak, but in the UK, the Moon will have already set below the horizon, making this phase invisible. However, observers in North America, much of South America, and western Greenland will be able to witness a total lunar eclipse.

Astronomer Imo Bell from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich encourages early risers to take a look: "Even if you have to wake up really early, it's worth it—seeing it in person is amazing."

What Is a Lunar Eclipse and a Blood Moon?

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the lunar surface. There are three main types:

• Total lunar eclipse – The entire Moon enters Earth’s shadow, turning deep red.
• Partial lunar eclipse – Only a section of the Moon is covered by Earth’s shadow, creating a noticeable dark area.
• Penumbral lunar eclipse – A faint event where the Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow, causing subtle dimming.

The term "blood moon" comes from the reddish color the Moon takes on during an eclipse. This occurs due to Rayleigh scattering, the same process that makes the sky blue and sunsets red. Longer-wavelength red light passes through Earth’s atmosphere, while shorter-wavelength blue light is scattered away, giving the Moon a reddish glow.

How to Get the Best View

For an optimal view, find a location with a clear and dark western horizon, as the Moon will be low in the sky.

Imo Bell advises bringing a light, preferably a red torch, to help navigate in the dark while preserving night vision. Checking the weather forecast is also crucial, as cloud cover could obstruct the view.

"Even though lunar eclipses happen every few years, there's always a chance the next one might be clouded out. If you can, make the effort to see this one," she suggests.

The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will occur on 7 September 2025.