Partial lunar eclipse to grace UK skies with red Moon this week: details inside

UK skywatchers are set to witness a reddish moon this week as the Sun, Earth, and Moon align to create a spectacular sky show.

This lunar eclipse arrives just weeks after the UK goes through its most significant partial solar eclipse in three decades.

A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Moon reaches its full phase before the dawn’s first crack on August 28, 2026.

It will turn the full Moon, dubbed the Sturgeon Moon, to dazzle with an eerie reddish glow.

How and when can you spot partial lunar eclipse in UK?

The eclipse is happening in the early hours of Friday, August 28.

In London, the partial eclipse will begin at 03:33 BST, when the moon passes through the umbral shadow.

The lunar eclipse will reach its peak at 05:12 BST, when 90% of the Moon will enter the Earth’s darkest shadow.

By that time, the Moon’s approach will be very low in the south-western sky, creating a celestial phenomenon called the Moon illusion.

For the best gazing spots, astronomers suggested finding a hilly location, which doesn’t block the view towards the southwestern horizon.

Clear skies are a key to witnessing the partial lunar eclipse this week, as the weather forecasts are expected to vary across the UK in the small hours of Friday morning.

Because of a low-pressure system that is developing, it might cast clouds and heavy showers, affecting some parts of the country.

According to the BBC Weather forecast, the best viewing locations are identified across central and eastern parts of England and Wales.