Moon set to turn red as rare partial lunar eclipse graces UK skies on Friday
Summary
A partial lunar eclipse will occur over the UK early Friday morning, making the Moon appear red and partly shadowed. The eclipse will start around 2:23 a.m. BST and reach its peak at 5:12 a.m., but clouds and rain might block the view in some areas.Key Facts
- The eclipse will happen when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
- About 93% of the Moon will be in the darkest part of Earth's shadow at the maximum eclipse.
- The eclipse begins with the Moon entering the penumbra (faint shadow) at 2:23 a.m. BST.
- The main partial phase, when the Moon enters the full shadow (umbra), starts at 3:33 a.m.
- The eclipse will end at 6:51 a.m., but the Moon will have set below the horizon in the UK by then.
- The Moon will appear larger near the horizon due to the "Moon illusion," a trick of the brain’s perception.
- The reddish color occurs because Earth's atmosphere bends and scatters light, letting red wavelengths reach the Moon.
- Best viewing chances are in the south and east of England, parts of Northern Ireland, and western Scotland, depending on cloud cover.
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