2 hours agoShareSaveShareSaveA lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface.There are three main types:Total lunar eclipse – The entire Moon moves into Earth’s shadow and turns red.Partial lunar eclipse – Only part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, creating a visible dark section.Penumbral lunar eclipse – A subtle event where the Moon passes through Earth’s outer shadow, causing a slight dimming.People sometimes refer to a lunar eclipse as a “blood moon” because of the way the Moon can turn a deep, coppery red during the eclipse.This is caused by a process known as “Rayleigh scattering” which also makes the sky blue and our sunsets red. It scatters more of the shorter blue wavelength light, allowing the longer red wavelength light to remain visible.During a lunar eclipse, all of the light shining onto the Moon has come through Earth’s atmosphere. It’s as if every sunrise and sunset in the world is projected onto the lunar surface.How to see it?To get the best view of the eclipse, head to a clear, dark location.”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,” advises Imo Bell of the Royal Observatory.Another top tip from Imo: it’ll be dark so bring a light to help get around, but use a red torch if you can get hold of one. It helps keep your eyes adjusted to the dark. Also, of course, check the weather forecast.”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,” said Imo.The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will be on 7 September 2025. …
