Blood Moon 2025: Exact time, UK viewing guide, and what to expect from Sunday’s rare lunar eclipse

Skywatchers across the United Kingdom are preparing for a rare celestial display as a total lunar eclipse will cast the full Moon in a striking shade of red on Sunday evening. Known popularly as a “Blood Moon,” the event occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, projecting its shadow across the lunar surface.

The eclipse will unfold in stages throughout the afternoon and evening, but visibility in the UK will largely depend on moonrise times and weather conditions. While the eclipse officially begins at 16:28 with the penumbral phase, the Moon will not rise in the UK until later, meaning observers will only catch part of the totality. The full eclipse will run from 18:30 to 19:52, reaching its dramatic peak at 19:11.

In eastern cities such as Norwich, the Moon rises at 19:25, giving stargazers a chance to see the eclipse in progress. Western regions, including Cornwall and parts of Wales, will have only a brief glimpse, while Northern Ireland and western Scotland are unlikely to catch totality but may see a partial shadow crossing the lunar disc.

Where Else Can It Be Seen?

Unlike the Americas, which miss out on this event entirely, regions in eastern Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia will enjoy the full cycle from start to finish. This global visibility highlights the shared wonder of astronomical phenomena that unite observers across continents.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

During totality, the Moon does not disappear from view but instead glows an eerie red. This happens because Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to illuminate the Moon. The same process, known as Rayleigh scattering, makes our sunsets fiery orange and red.

Effectively, every sunrise and sunset on Earth is simultaneously cast onto the Moon, creating the “Blood Moon” effect.

A Phenomenon Steeped in History

Historically, lunar eclipses carried mystical significance, often seen as omens. Ancient civilizations recorded them as signs of war, famine, or great change. Today, astronomers embrace them as natural demonstrations of celestial mechanics. Dr. Edward Bloomer of the Royal Observatory Greenwich explains:

“This is not a special effect. There’s nothing else it could be. It’s the solar system at work in front of your eyes.”

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK was in 2022, and the next won’t occur until 28 August 2026.

How to Watch Safely

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses pose no danger to the eyes and can be safely viewed without special equipment. Still, binoculars or a telescope will enrich the view, revealing details of the Moon’s surface as it transitions from bright silver to deep red.

Best practice is to find a location with a clear view of the horizon, ideally away from tall buildings or city light pollution. Popular spots include hills, coastal cliffs, and countryside vantage points.

Will Clouds Spoil the View?

Weather could still play a role. Forecasts suggest that high pressure will drift eastwards Sunday, with Atlantic fronts breaking up as they approach. Most showers are expected in the northwest, while the majority of the country should enjoy patchy but clear skies by late afternoon—good news for those eager to see the eclipse. Still, localised cloud cover remains a possibility, so skywatchers are advised to check updated forecasts.

Key Timings for the UK (BST)

• 16:28 – Penumbral eclipse begins (Moon not yet visible in UK)

• 18:30 – Total eclipse starts

• 19:11 – Eclipse at maximum

• 19:25 – Moonrise in eastern UK (best chance to catch totality)

  
  
  

• 19:52 – End of total eclipse

• 21:55 – Penumbral eclipse ends

For astronomy enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, Sunday’s Blood Moon offers both a beautiful spectacle and a reminder of Earth’s place in the cosmic dance.