Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial treat this week: a blood moon lunar eclipse.
The lunar eclipse will be visible in the UK in the early hours of the morning on Friday 14 March, so those keen to see it will need to set their alarm clocks.
But when exactly is the blood moon lunar eclipse, what will you see, how can you see it, and what causes it?
When is the blood moon lunar eclipse?
The blood moon lunar eclipse will take place on Friday 14 March in the early hours of the morning.
In the UK, the eclipse will start at 3.57am. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, "the maximum of the eclipse in London will be at 6.19am, because during the eclipse's actual maximum at 6.58, the moon will have set below the horizon." This means people in the UK will only be able to see a partial lunar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible elsewhere in the world – such as North America.
Where to see the blood moon lunar eclipse
If the sky is clear, the eclipse will be visible with the naked eye, and you'll be able to see it from anywhere in the UK.
For those living in urban areas, light pollution can obscure the view, so it’s worth finding a location away from city lights, such as a field or hill, to get the best view.
What is a blood moon?
A blood moon refers to a particular phase of the lunar eclipse, when the moon passes through Earth's shadow. During this event, the moon takes on a reddish hue, hence the term 'blood moon'.
The colour change occurs because of the way Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight. As sunlight travels through the Earth's atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (like blue and violet) are scattered more, leaving the longer red wavelengths to bathe the moon in a haunting crimson glow.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow over the moon.
There are three types of lunar eclipses: penumbral, partial and total. The duration of the eclipse varies, but during a total eclipse, the moon can be in the Earth's shadow for over an hour. As it moves through different phases, the moon will gradually darken, transitioning through shades of copper, orange and eventually red.
How to photograph a blood moon
Capturing the essence of a blood moon with a camera requires a little preparation. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you the best results. Make sure to use a telephoto lens to zoom in on the moon for those detailed shots. A tripod is essential to prevent shaky images, and using a low ISO setting will help bring out the moon's natural red colour without overexposing the shot.
If you’re using a smartphone, there are apps available that can help you track the moon’s path across the sky. Simply holding the phone steady for long enough should give you a crisp shot, though you may need to enhance the colours with post-processing software to bring out the striking red hue.
Eclipse symbolism
Lunar eclipses have held cultural significance throughout history. In many ancient societies, such as the Mayans and the Greeks, eclipses were seen as omens or signals of impending change. The blood moon, with its eerie colour, often symbolised times of transformation or a break from the ordinary.
In modern times, while we now understand the science behind the event, many still view the blood moon as a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the universe.
