The rare spectacle is something you don’t want to miss
September is a month full of fantastic cosmic events and tonight is no exception. A blood moon total lunar eclipse will rise this evening, Sunday September 7.
As the full moon passes through Earth’s shadow, it will turn a deep red shade, and create an incredible spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. The Moon takes on a red tint because sunlight is filtered and refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red wavelengths to reach the Moon.
The total lunar eclipse is worth looking out for as the next one will not happen again until August 2026. The Met Office has shared when it will be visible, saying: “The eclipse will begin while the Moon is still below the horizon in the UK, but as the Moon rises at around 7.30pm, it will already be in total eclipse.”
While those in easternmost Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia will be able to witness the entire event from start to finish, UK observers will catch the latter stages as the Moon rises.
According to the weather forecast, this evening will bring fairly cloudy conditions to many areas of the UK. The clearest skies for viewing the blood moon are most likely across the southwest and parts of eastern England, however the forecast may change before tonight,
September’s full moon is also going to rise this evening, making the total lunar eclipse extra special. September’s full ‘Corn Moon’ gets its name as crops are gathered at the end of the summer season. At this time, the Moon appears particularly bright and rises early.
Royal Museums Greenwich says the Moon will rise above the horizon just in time for us to see this total lunar eclipse from the UK. The maximum will occur at 7.33pm BST from the UK, with the eclipse’s actual maximum at 7.11pm when the Moon is below the horizon.
The Moon will then “gradually move out of Earth’s umbra and penumbra” until 9.55pm. As the Moon will be low on the horizon and quite difficult to see, find a high point with a clear view to the east to see the most of this eclipse.
A lunar eclipse happens between two to five times a year, with a total lunar eclipse occurring at least twice every three years. Since the Earth is around four times wider than the Moon, its shadow can darken the Moon for up to five hours depending on conditions.
Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, although binoculars and telescopes are recommended to enhance the view.
To maximise your chance of seeing the eclipse, plan to be in position ahead of 7.30pm with as clear a view of the eastern horizon as possible. In urban areas, this might mean heading to a hill or a popular viewpoint.
The Met Office says: “Cloud cover will be the main obstacle, so flexibility and a bit of luck will be key. If you’re clouded out, remember that the next opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse from the UK will be on 28 August 2026.”
Other spectacles to keep an eye out for include planet visibility as Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter take centre stage. On September 8, the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune will align within about 3.5 degrees of each other. Saturn will shine clearly to the naked eye, while Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to be visible.
September 21 2025, is when Saturn is presented at its best to us viewing from Earth. Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, and the second-largest planet in our solar system.
