Londoners may want to swap their usual Friday-morning lie-in for a look towards the sky, because a spectacular partial lunar eclipse is set to unfold above the capital in the early hours of August 28.
The astronomical event will see the full Moon drift through Earth’s deepest shadow, with roughly 93% of its visible diameter expected to be covered at the eclipse’s peak.
While it won’t become a complete “Blood Moon”, much of the lunar surface could turn a striking shade of rusty red, orange or copper, weather permitting, of course.
And because the Moon will be hanging low above the south-western horizon as the eclipse reaches its most dramatic point, it could appear even larger than usual against London’s skyline.
When can you see the lunar eclipse in London?
The partial lunar eclipse takes place in the very early hours of Friday, August 28, with the most impressive stage happening shortly before sunrise.
Here are the key timings of the lunar eclipse for London
- 2.23am BST: The subtle penumbral eclipse begins.
- 3.33am BST: The partial eclipse begins, as the Moon enters Earth’s darkest shadow.
- 5.12am BST: Maximum eclipse, when around 93% of the Moon will be within the umbra.
- 6.15am BST: Approximate moonset in London.
- 6.51am BST: The partial eclipse ends, although the Moon will already have disappeared below London’s horizon.
Moonset times will vary depending on where you are in the UK, so those outside the capital may have a little more or less time to catch the finale.
Why will the Moon look red?
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.
Earth’s shadow has two parts: the lighter outer penumbra, which creates a gentle dimming, and the much darker central umbra.
During Friday’s event, most of the Moon will move into the umbra. Direct sunlight is blocked, but some light still travels through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.
Blue light is scattered away more easily, while red and orange wavelengths bend through the atmosphere and continue onwards bathing the eclipsed section of the Moon in those warm, reddish tones.
The exact shade can differ from one eclipse to another, depending on atmospheric conditions around the world. So, it might look subtly bronze, vividly orange, or like a dark red Moon looming above the city.
Why might the moon look extra big?
As the eclipse peaks, the Moon will be very low in the south-western sky, close to setting. That is prime time for the famous Moon illusion, where our brains interpret the Moon as looking much bigger when it sits near familiar objects such as rooftops, trees, hills and buildings.
It won’t physically be larger, sadly. But framed behind a London skyline or an open horizon, it may feel like a suitably cinematic end to summer.
How to watch the lunar eclipse
The good news is that lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye. You will not need eclipse glasses, filters or any specialist kit although binoculars or a telescope may make the Moon’s shadowed surface more detailed and dramatic.
For the best chance of seeing it:
- Find a spot with an open view towards the south-western horizon
- Head somewhere elevated if possible, particularly as the Moon will be low in the sky
- Avoid streets lined with tall buildings, trees or hills that could block your view
- Aim to be outside by 3.33am to see the partial phase begin
- Keep an eye on the sky around 5.12am for the eclipse’s maximum point
- Check an up-to-date local forecast before committing to the early start
The eclipse follows the partial solar eclipse visible earlier in August. Solar and lunar eclipses often happen around two weeks apart during an eclipse season, when the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in the right way.
