The moon does a lot for us. It regulates the tides, lights up the world at night, and, sometimes, it does really cool things like appear huge, or go in front of the sun, or turn red. The latter is often referred to as a ‘blood moon’, and there’s one happening this Sunday (September 7).
A blood moon, or a total lunar eclipse, is fairly rare. Although it’s more common than its solar sister, a total lunar eclipse only comes around to any given location every few years. If you miss the one on Sunday you’ll have to wait until 2028 until there’s another one visible from Europe and Asia.
The upcoming blood moon will be visible from quite a lot of the planet, including the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. In total, nearly 6 billion of us will be able to see this lunar treat. Unfortunately, the Americas are out of luck this time – the moon will be at its reddest during their daytime hours.
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the blood moon in action this Sunday, no matter where you are in the world.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
Total lunar eclipses happen when the Earth, the moon, and the sun are all in a straight line. When this happens, the moon goes directly into the Earth’s shadow, leaving the moon without any direct sunlight. Basically, it passes into the shade which causes it to change colour.
Why does it make the moon go red?
The moon’s white colour is emphasised by the sun reflecting off of it, so without that direct light, it becomes a copper colour. There is still light reaching the moon’s surface, which is why it doesn’t just disappear completely, but the light has to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere which filters out colder colours like blue and violet because of their shorter wavelengths. Then, only warm colours like red and orange get to the moon – causing the blood moon.
Basically, it’s a complex scientific reaction which reflects red light, and only red light, onto the moon for a short period of time.
At what time will the blood moon happen?
Depending on where you are in the world, the peak glow, known as the totality, is 80 minutes long, although not everywhere will be able to see the whole thing. Australia and southeast Asia will witness the entire period of totality in darkness, whereas in much of Europe it will still be daytime when it begins.
The eclipse will begin at 3.28pm Universal Time. It will reach totality at the following times:
- 6.30pm, BST.
- 7.30pm, CEST
- 8.30pm, EEST.
- 1.30am, AWST. (Monday September 8)
- 3am, ACST (Monday September 8)
- 3.30am AEST. (Monday September 8)
You will be able to see the reddish lunar surface from about an hour and a half from those times. In the UK and central Europe, it won’t be visible until after sunset.
For more information on how to watch the lunar eclipse in Britain in Ireland, have a look at our UK guide.
Where are the best places to watch the lunar eclipse?
The Eastern Hemisphere will have the best views of the eclipse as the entire cycle, which lasts five and a half hours in total, will take place at night time.
Western Australia will be treated to some of the clearest sightlines in the entire world, with the rest of the country not far behind. Asia will also witness almost all of the totality in darkness, giving them a prime seat.
Tips for viewing the blood moon
Try to get somewhere with as little light pollution as possible, far away from any cities. If possible, get high up, and give yourself 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. That means no screens or lights as far as possible.
Check the weather forecast before you go out, as you won’t be able to see much of anything if it’s going to be very cloudy.
You can look directly at a solar eclipse without damaging your eyesight, so you don’t need to worry about getting any special glasses.
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