A Celestial Year: Highlights of 2025
As we journey through 2025, the night sky offers a breathtaking array of astronomical events that are sure to captivate both casual stargazers and seasoned astronomers. The year began with Mars shining brightly in January, as it reached its peak visibility during its opposition. Last month, we were treated to a rare planetary parade showcasing all seven planets of our solar system. Now, March brings yet another exquisite spectacle—a blood moon lunar eclipse.
What Exactly is a Blood Moon?
A blood moon occurs during a lunar eclipse when the moon takes on a striking reddish hue, transforming from its usual silvery glow. Although the moon does not produce its own light, it reflects sunlight, which illuminates our night sky. This sunlight appears white to our eyes, but it is composed of a spectrum of colors, each possessing unique physical properties.
Within this spectrum lies blue light, characterized by shorter wavelengths that scatter easily as they traverse Earth’s atmosphere. Conversely, red light, with its longer wavelengths, travels more directly through the atmosphere. Under normal circumstances, the moon reflects the full spectrum of sunlight, appearing white to our perception. However, during a lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow partially or fully obstructs the sunlight, forcing it to filter through the atmosphere.
As the light bends and refracts, the blue wavelengths scatter out, while the red wavelengths continue their journey toward the moon. When this red light strikes the lunar surface, it reflects back, giving the moon its characteristic reddish glow.
When Can You Witness the Lunar Eclipse?
This month, a partial lunar eclipse will grace the skies of the UK on Friday, March 14. The event will commence at 3:57 AM (GMT) and reach its peak visibility at 6:19 AM before the moon dips below the horizon. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface.
For a total lunar eclipse to transpire, all three celestial bodies—the sun, Earth, and moon—must align perfectly in a straight line, allowing the moon to traverse through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. In the case of a partial lunar eclipse, the moon only traverses the outer region of the Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra, resulting in just a portion of it being obscured by the umbra. During this month’s eclipse, almost the entire moon will be enveloped in Earth’s umbra, providing a stunning visual experience.
Tips for Observing the Lunar Eclipse in the UK
For those in the UK eager to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse, it’s best to find a high vantage point with a clear view toward the western horizon. Astronomer Tom Kerss from the Royal Observatory Greenwich advises that while a telescope is not necessary, a keen eye toward the west will enhance your viewing experience. He noted, “For us here in the UK, the eclipse will be at its most spectacular when it is relatively low in the south-west and west.”
Upcoming Lunar Eclipses Visible from the UK
After the March eclipse, the next lunar spectacle visible from the UK will be a full lunar eclipse occurring in the autumn of this year on September 7, 2025. During this event, the full eclipse will take place at 7:11 PM (BST), though the moon will initially be below the horizon. Fortunately, it will rise just in time for observers to catch a glimpse of it as it becomes visible at 7:33 PM (BST), still under the influence of the eclipse.
As the moon gradually exits the Earth’s umbra and penumbra, it will be observable until just before 10 PM. Given that the moon will be low on the horizon, optimal viewing conditions will be found from elevated locations with unobstructed views to the east. Following this, skywatchers can anticipate another partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026.
