Will the lunar eclipse be visible from my area? UK weather forecast for the Blood Moon – and best time to see it

STARGAZERS across the UK are gearing up for a spectacular celestial show this week as a stunning “Blood Moon” takes to the skies. Those who set their alarms for the early hours of Friday, August 28 will be in for a treat as the UK experiences a partial lunar eclipse – with over 93% of the Moon’s face plunging into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. The Met Office has issued its latest weather update ahead of this week’s lunar eclipse Credit: AFP During an almost total lunar eclipse, the Moon is bathed in a dramatic red glow caused by the Earth’s atmosphere – hence the nickname ‘Blood Moon’ Credit: Getty It will look almost identical to a total lunar eclipse, and you can even leave the specialist eyewear at home. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, stopping sunlight from directly reaching the lunar surface. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! During a near total lunar eclipse, the Moon is bathed in a dramatic red, copper-like glow caused by the Earth’s atmosphere – hence the nickname “Blood Moon”. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss, but to fully appreciate it, you’ll need a decent break in the clouds. When is the best time to see the lunar eclipse? The eclipse is an hours-long event, but the action kicks off at 2.23am on Friday, August 28, as Earth’s outer shadow first touches the Moon, causing a subtle dimming. The partial eclipse officially begins at 3.33am, when a distinct dark “bite” will appear across the lunar disk as it enters the Earth’s main shadow. The peak of the eclipse will arrive at 5.12am, when maximum coverage will cause the Moon to glow in dramatic reddish-orange hues – the “Blood Moon” effect. Around 6.15am, the Moon dips below the horizon, wrapping up visibility across the UK. Most read in The Sun What is the weather forecast where you live? The Met Office has issued its latest update, but it says that “weather conditions are expected to be challenging for many hoping to see the eclipse.” If you live in the South or East of England, you have drawn the lucky ticket, at least to start with. The Met Office says: “The best initial viewing opportunities are… likely to be across southern and eastern England. “These areas are expected to remain relatively cloud-free from around 2am, potentially allowing observers to see the opening stages of the eclipse.” But for many others, the start of the eclipse is going to be hidden behind a blanket of grey. “At the beginning of the event,” says the Met Office, “cloud is forecast across Cornwall and Devon, Wales, the Midlands, parts of northwest England, and most of Scotland and Northern Ireland.” But “cloud amounts are also expected to build elsewhere across the UK, meaning conditions may become increasingly unfavourable before the eclipse reaches its maximum at 5.12am.” There is slightly better news if you live in the North East of England, where “patchier cloud is expected,” meaning you might just get lucky and spot the red Moon peeking through the gaps. The Blood Moon weather forecast where you live: Cornwall & Devon: Cloudy from the start of the event, creating generally challenging early viewing conditions. Midlands & Northwest England: Overcast skies expected early on, with cloud amounts building as the night progresses. Northeast England: Patchier cloud cover, offering a fair chance of catching glimpses of the Blood Moon through gaps in the sky. Scotland & Northern Ireland: Mostly blanketed by cloud at the start, though brief temporary breaks may still afford quick views. Southern & Eastern England: Best initial viewing opportunities, remaining relatively clear from around 2am before cloud cover gradually increases ahead of the 5.12am peak. Wales: Cloud-heavy at the beginning of the eclipse, leading to increasingly unfavourable conditions into the early morning. The Met Office says that though “the greatest chance of seeing something is likely to be across southern and eastern England during its earlier stages… there may not be one location offering ideal conditions throughout.” There is some hope, with the service reminding us that the Great British weather can change at the drop of a hat. “Cloud cover can vary over relatively short distances,” it says, “so those planning to watch should check the latest local forecast before setting out.” Comment now