Rare 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse visible to millions of Britons

Millions of people across Britain and around the world were treated to a rare total lunar eclipse on the night of Sept. 7, 2025, as the full moon took on a deep red hue known as a "Blood Moon." In the U.K. the eclipse reached its maximum at 19:33 BST, but observers could only see the effect after the moon rose, leaving many viewers watching a low lunar disk near the eastern horizon.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon and casts its shadow across the lunar surface. Royal Museums Greenwich said that when this alignment happens "the only light that reaches the moon's surface is from the edges of the Earth's atmosphere," noting that molecules in the air scatter shorter, bluer wavelengths and allow redder light to reach and reflect off the moon, producing the characteristic coppery glow.

The Met Office warned that the moon would be low on the horizon for much of the U.K., which could make viewing difficult in built-up areas or where the eastern horizon is obstructed. To improve chances of a clear sighting, authorities advised people to seek higher ground or known viewing spots with an unobstructed view to the east. Observers were also reminded that, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the unaided eye because the moon only shines by reflected, much dimmer sunlight.

The dramatic red phase of the eclipse was relatively brief. The alignment was due to end at 21:55 BST as the moon moved out of Earth's shadow, less than three hours after the maximum. Photographs and live streams from cities across Asia and Europe, including Islamabad, Beijing and Ankara, illustrated the global reach of the event as skywatchers and amateur photographers shared images of the reddened lunar disk.

Astronomers say total lunar eclipses provide a convenient opportunity for public engagement with astronomy because they are visible from any location on the night side of Earth and require no special equipment to observe. Exact visibility depended on local weather and the viewer's horizon; where clouds or buildings blocked the eastern skyline, the dramatic colouring could arrive only after the moon had climbed higher in the sky.

Observers encouraged by the event noted the combination of clear skies and an unobstructed eastern horizon as key factors in catching the full effect. As the moon slowly moved through Earth's shadow and returned to its usual silvery-white appearance, skywatchers were left with a reminder of how the relative positions of Earth, the sun and the moon can transform a familiar object into an uncommon spectacle.