The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the UK later this week – but you will have to be up early
Brits are in for an astronomical treat later this week, with the moon spectacularly changing colour to a blood-red tint during an upcoming partial lunar eclipse.
The awe-inspiring event is scheduled to occur in the early hours of Friday, March 14, as the Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon. Due to atmospheric conditions and the way sunlight bends and scatters, the moon will remain visible and take on an eerie, crimson hue, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock told BBC Morning Live.
She explained: “It’s all about the movement of these celestial bodies. We are talking about the sun – which gives out light – we’re talking about the Earth, and we’re talking about the moon. Every so often, they get into alignment.
“What happens with a total lunar eclipse is that the Earth will get in between the sun and the moon, and that usually means that light from the sun will no longer reach the moon. So, at the start of the evening, you will have a beautiful, bright full moon but what will happen is the shadow of the Earth will be projected onto the moon, and so the moon will slowly disappear.
“You would think that would mean we wouldn’t be able to see the moon at all, but what actually happens is light from the sun passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and some of it is bent onto the moon’s surface, so we can still see the moon.
“But as that happens, the blue light from the sun is scattered out, and the red light is transmitted to the moon, so the moon goes blood red and it’s a really eerie sight.
“You start with this pink hue, but then the moon will go completely blood red, and I can imagine in ancient times, it must have really freaked people out.”
Where, when, and how to see it
Dame Maggie revealed that the spectacle will begin ‘very early’ on Friday morning. The penumbral eclipse is expected to kick off at 3.57am, when the shadow will start moving across the moon’s surface.
The partial eclipse should commence at 5.09am, with the moon setting at 6.22am. It’s likely to be more visible in western skies. Unfortunately, we will not be able to witness totality, which is when the moon is entirely covered by the Earth’s shadow, due to the moon setting.
Those hoping to catch a glimpse are advised to bundle up and try to find a clear patch of sky with minimal light pollution. Binoculars could enhance your viewing experience. However, you don’t need any specialist equipment.
Dame Maggie described the phenomenon, saying: “At first, when the shadow starts moving across the moon, it looks like someone has taken a nibble out of it, like a big cookie. The moon will then go an eerie pink colour.”