Stargazers are in for a treat as a partial lunar eclipse will appear in the sky before dawn on Friday.
Weather permitting, it is set to be spectacular and is caused by the Moon moving into Earth’s shadow.
It happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface.
A partial lunar eclipse is when only part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, creating a visible dark section.
This will create a stunning ‘blood moon’, that will gradually darken before turning dusky red.
When is the lunar eclipse?
The first part (the penumbral phase) will start at 03.57am but the partial eclipse will begin at 05.09am.
This is the best point to head out early to try and get a glimpse. Somewhere remote and clear so you can see the sky is best.
How to see the lunar eclipse?
A clear and dark location is often the best.
Imo Bell, from the Royal Observatory, said: ‘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.’
Imo also said that wearing a red torch will help eyes adjust to the darkness.
He added: ‘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.’
The next lunar eclipse is expected to be seen in the UK on September 7, 2025.
What is a blood moon?
The name ‘blood moon’ comes from the way in which the Moon turns a deep coppery red.
The eclipse can be visible anywhere from Earth as long as the Moon is above the horizon.
For those across North America, some of South America and western Greenland, there will be a total eclipse.
A total eclipse is when the entire Moon moves into Earth’s shadow entirely.
When was the last lunar eclipse?
The most recent partial solar eclipse visible from the UK happened on June 20, 2021.
The UK’s last total solar eclipse occurred on August 11, 1999 and the next total solar eclipse is due to happen on September 23, 2090.
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