'Blood moon' partial lunar eclipse delights skywatchers in London and around world
A partial lunar eclipse took place in the UK just before dawn on Friday.
The moon darkened as it moved into Earth's shadow and eventually turned red, earning its 'blood moon' nickname.
In a partial lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon are almost, rather than fully, aligned. This means a dark section appears on the moon.
The last total lunar eclipse was in May 2022 when the moon turned completely red.
Skywatchers in London and other parts of the UK have shared images of the partial lunar eclipse on social media.
One X user posted a time sequence image of the evolving eclipse showing the moon turning a dark shade of orange over southwest London.
The Full Worm Blood Moon "Partial" Lunar Eclipse experience, as seen from SW London #FullMoon #BloodMoon #WormMoon #LunarEclipse @StormHour @ThePhotoHour @metoffice @skyatnightmag @NASAMoon pic.twitter.com/aCnD6dS359
— Epiphany (@FunkyAppleTree) March 14, 2025
Ahead of Friday's lunar eclipse, astronomer Jake Foster, at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: 'When the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, the only sunlight that can reach the moon must first pass through the Earth's atmosphere.
'As sunlight enters the atmosphere, different wavelengths (and therefore colours) of light will be scattered and bounced around by differing amounts. Blue light scatters a great deal, which is why our skies are blue.
'Red light is mostly unaffected by the gases of the atmosphere, so it travels all the way through them and out the other side where it can shine on the moon, making it appear red.'
The moon started to turn red at around 5.30am and was most visible just before 6.30am, according to astronomers.
'The moon will be very low in the sky just above the western horizon, so the best place to see it will be somewhere with a clear view of the west, free of any obstructions like tall trees or buildings,' Mr Foster said.
'No equipment is required, but a pair of binoculars will enhance your view of this cosmic phenomenon.'
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, some people living in the west of the UK may have been able to see a total lunar eclipse with the naked eye, weather permitting.
Others in eastern and south-east England were only expected to be able to see a partial lunar eclipse. This is because the moon will not be completely within the Earth's shadow by the time it sets.
The Met Office said: 'Early birds catch the Worm Moon.
'Check local conditions to see if you're in with a chance of spotting this celestial spectacle.'
According to the latest Met Office forecast, much of the UK was set to be covered by cloud when the eclipse was to be most visible, apart from parts of the South East, East Anglia and central Scotland.
The blood moon was visible around the world with pictures of the event shared from places as far apart as Mexico City, Doha and Florida.
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