Early morning stargazers woke up to a partial lunar eclipse just before dawn today.
Those lucky enough – and awake early enough – could watch as the moon darkened and it moved into the Earth’s shadow.
It eventually turned red, earning its ‘blood moon’ nickname.
In a partial lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon are almost, rather than fully, aligned. This means a dark section appears on the moon.
The last total lunar eclipse was in May 2022 when the moon turned completely red.
When was the lunar eclipse?
The moon started to turn red at around 5.30am and was most visible just before 6.30am, according to astronomers.
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 a lunar eclipse?
A clear and dark location is often the best.
Astronomer Jake Foster, at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: ‘The moon will be very low in the sky just above the western horizon, so the best place to see it will be somewhere with a clear view of the west, free of any obstructions like tall trees or buildings.
‘No equipment is required, but a pair of binoculars will enhance your view of this cosmic phenomenon.’
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 Met Office said: ‘Early birds catch the Worm Moon.
‘Check local conditions to see if you’re in with a chance of spotting this celestial spectacle.’
Much of the UK was covered by cloud when the eclipse was most visible, apart from parts of the South East, East Anglia and central Scotland.
What is a blood moon?
The name ‘blood moon’ comes from the way in which the Moon turns a deep coppery red.
Mr Foster said: ‘When the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, the only sunlight that can reach the moon must first pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.
‘As sunlight enters the atmosphere, different wavelengths (and therefore colours) of light will be scattered and bounced around by differing amounts. Blue light scatters a great deal, which is why our skies are blue.
‘Red light is mostly unaffected by the gases of the atmosphere, so it travels all the way through them and out the other side where it can shine on the moon, making it appear 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.
What are people’s reaction to the ‘blood moon’?
A social media user on X wrote and posted a picture: ‘Finally got the blood moon. This is a raw unedited/unfiltered photo straight from my camera using a telephoto lens. Incredible.’
Others were asking whether people were up early enough to catch a glimpse of the blood moon.
Dr Helen Ingram posted on X: ‘The blood moon eclipse looks amazing tonight.’
When is the next ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse?
The next lunar eclipse is expected to be seen in the UK on September 7, 2025.
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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