Introduction to Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse will soon occur, making the moon appear a deep purple color. Astronomers have announced the exact time when people in the UK should look up to the sky to witness the upcoming Blood Moon. This phenomenon is expected to take place next week and will be visible throughout the UK.
What is a Blood Moon?
A blood moon is the popular name for a scientific phenomenon known as a total lunar eclipse. There are different types of lunar eclipses that can occur, including the penumbral lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse, and total lunar eclipse. The least exciting is the penumbral lunar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes through the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra. The partial lunar eclipse is more exciting, as the moon passes through both the penumbra and the umbra, the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow.
Types of Lunar Eclipses
The gold standard of lunar eclipses is the total lunar eclipse, in which the moon turns a deep red color. This happens when the sun, Earth, and moon are all aligned, and the moon passes through the umbra. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is only illuminated by light that has passed through the Earth’s atmosphere and is then reflected back to the moon. This gives the moon a dark red color because it only receives indirect sunlight.
When is the Next Lunar Eclipse in the UK?
The next total lunar eclipse in the UK will take place on September 7, 2025. After that, a partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 28, 2026. If you want to see another lunar eclipse after the September event, you will have to wait until December 21, 2028, and then on June 14, 2031.
The Moon Explained
The moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth. It is the only natural satellite of our planet and the fifth largest in the solar system. The moon measures 2,158 miles in diameter, which is about one-quarter of the Earth’s diameter. The temperatures on the moon range from -173 degrees Celsius to 260 degrees Celsius. The strength of the moon’s gravitational field is about one-sixth of the Earth’s gravity.
How to Witness the September 2025 Lunar Eclipse
According to the Royal Observatory, the lunar eclipse will be visible in the UK in September. However, there are a few catches. The first is that it will be difficult to see because the moon will be low on the horizon. The second is that a cloudy night will ruin your chances of seeing the eclipse, so keep your fingers crossed for a clear sky. If you want to witness the lunar eclipse, astronomers have revealed the best time to look up. The moon will rise over the horizon in good time to see this total lunar eclipse from the UK. The maximum eclipse will occur at 7:33 p.m. BST, with the eclipse maximum at 7:11 p.m., when the moon is below the horizon. The moon will then gradually move out of the Earth’s umbra and penumbra until 9:55 p.m. To get the best view of this eclipse, find a spot with a clear view to the east.
