A total lunar eclipse is transforming the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon” this evening, captivating sky-watchers across much of the globe. As the Moon passes through Earth‘s shadow,it’s taking on a deep red hue,creating a rare and visually arresting spectacle.This year has already gifted observers with remarkable celestial events – from meteor showers to displays of the Northern Lights – and the lunar eclipse adds to that trend. The full eclipse will be visible in the UK between 18:30 and 19:52, though viewing will depend on location and Moonrise times. The event is fully visible across easternmost Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia, while the Americas will largely miss the totality.
The phenomenon occurs when the earth positions itself between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow that darkens and reddens the lunar surface. the red color isn’t due to the Earth’s atmosphere adding color, but rather the result of Rayleigh scattering – the same effect that causes sunsets to appear red. Shorter wavelengths of light (blues and violets) are scattered away by the Earth’s atmosphere,while longer wavelengths (reds and oranges) are refracted,or bent,towards the Moon.
A live stream of the eclipse is available from around 16:30.
