Blood Moon: How to view the rare total lunar eclipse from the UK
Taking place early on Friday morning
It wasn't long ago stargazers had the chance to see a planetary alignment, however, this Friday (14th March) early risers will be able to get a glimpse of a rare total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.
Here in the UK, the Moon will be very close to the horizon, so we won't be able to see the full peak of the eclipse, but viewers will be able to see the Moon turn blood red. Here we take a look at how to view the lunar eclipse.
How to view the Blood Moon
The Moon will be about to set in the West, at sunrise on Friday morning, however if you're up early you will still be able to view it. The times will vary depending on where you are in the UK, and viewers in the West will have a better view of the Moon. Approximate times according to the Royal Astronomical Society are:
3:57am - eclipse will start
6:20am - 7am - total lunar eclipse should be visible
Unlike many astronomical events you do not need any special equipment to view the the eclipse.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth's shadow covers the Moon.
Will the lunar eclipse be a total or partial eclipse?
The eclipse will be total for some viewers, and partial for others, depending on where you are in the UK. Viewers in the West of the UK will be able to see the total eclipse, unfortunately for those in the East, and South East of England, will only see a partial eclipse, as the Moon will have set by the time totality occurs.
What time is best to view the lunar eclipse?
As mentioned above, you can view the eclipse is in the early morning on 14th March. It will start at 3.57am, when the Earth's shadow will start to cover the Moon, however it will not be until around 6.20am that the total lunar eclipse starts to be visible. Shortly after the total eclipse starts the Moon will set (as viewed from the UK).
What will be the next big astronomical event?
We won't have to wait long until the next astronomical event visible in the UK. On 29th March UK will be treated to a partial solar eclipse between 10am and 12pm. As it is a partial solar eclipse a lot of care must be taken to view it, and you should never look directly at the sun as it may cause blindness.
Take a look at tips for viewing shooting stars:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
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