Rare Blood Moon total lunar eclipse visible across the UK on the evening of Sept. 7

Millions of people across the United Kingdom are set to see a rare "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse on the evening of Sept. 7, 2025, with the best viewing expected shortly after moonrise and observers advised to look toward the eastern horizon.

For UK viewers the eclipse is expected to be most apparent at about 19:33 BST, and the alignment will conclude by 21:55 BST. The geometrical maximum of the eclipse is listed at 19:11 BST, but at that moment the Moon will still be below the horizon for much of the country, so skywatchers are advised to be ready as the Moon rises.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow across the lunar surface. During totality, sunlight reaching the Moon passes through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters shorter-wavelength blue light and allows longer-wavelength red light to reach and illuminate the Moon, producing the characteristic red or copper hue described as a "Blood Moon," Royal Museums Greenwich said.

The eclipse will be visible to the naked eye and does not require telescopes or other specialised equipment to be seen. "You don't need a telescope to take a good photograph of the Moon, but if you want to see details on the lunar surface, you'll want to use the longest lens that you have," astronomer Tom Kerss advised, noting that longer lenses or binoculars can bring out surface detail but are not necessary to witness the colour change.

Because the Moon will be low on the eastern horizon when it rises, observers are advised to seek a high vantage point with an unobstructed view to the east to maximise the duration and clarity of the spectacle. Atmospheric conditions near the horizon can make the Moon appear dimmer or more distorted than when it is higher in the sky, so a clear, elevated site will improve viewing chances.

Lunar eclipses can last several hours from the beginning of penumbral shading to the final penumbral exit; totality itself is typically shorter. Astronomical records note that it is uncommon for total phases to persist beyond about 100 minutes. At least two lunar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth each year, but total eclipses visible over large, populated areas are less frequent.

This event also coincides with a relatively close lunar approach, producing a slightly brighter-than-usual full Moon often referred to as a "Supermoon." Because the eclipse falls near the traditional January "Wolf Moon" nomenclature and produces the red hue of totality, some astronomers and media outlets have used the combined informal label "Super Blood Wolf Moon."

If observers miss the event on Sept. 7, the next lunar eclipse visible in the UK is not expected until Aug. 28, 2026. As with all astronomical events, visibility will depend on local weather and cloud cover, and organisers and planetariums recommend checking local forecasts and planning a clear, unobstructed eastern horizon for the best chance to see the eclipse.

Royal Museums Greenwich and other astronomical organisations have provided explanatory material to help the public understand the mechanics and timing of the eclipse, and many local astronomy clubs are expected to host viewing events subject to weather and local arrangements.