Lunar Eclipse 2026 UK time: When to see the Blood Moon – verify postcode to search out out

A spectacular partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the UK and Ireland on August 28, 2026, with around 93% of the Moon immersed in Earth’s shadow

Stargazers throughout the British Isles will be treated to a partial lunar eclipse on August 28, promising to be a spectacular display as roughly 93% of the Moon will be shrouded by the umbra during the eclipse’s climax.

Overnight, a partial lunar eclipse will unfold as the Moon drifts through Earth’s shadow, with only a portion of the lunar surface entering the dark central zone called the umbra, while the remainder stays within the lighter outer shadow, or penumbra. Also know as a “Blood Moon” that earlier this year sparked fears from conspiracy theorists.

Though the phenomenon stops just shy of being a total lunar eclipse, the substantial portion of the Moon is engulfed in Earth’s deepest shadow will create a dramatic spectacle in the night sky.

Throughout the eclipse, the shadowed area of the Moon may also adopt a reddish tint, a occurrence commonly dubbed a “Blood Moon”.

Here is everything you need to know about the breathtaking celestial event overnight:

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon travels through Earth’s outer shadow, called the penumbra, while only a section of it penetrates the considerably darker central shadow, termed the umbra, reports the Express.

Consequently, a portion of the Moon appears markedly darkened, while the rest remains lit up, producing the characteristic “bite” effect witnessed during this variety of eclipse.

How can you see it?

The partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the UK and Ireland in the wee hours of Friday morning, although viewing conditions may become trickier as the event progresses because the Moon will descend towards the horizon.

For the best view, sky-gazers should find a high vantage point with an unblocked view of the south-western sky, allowing them to witness as much of the eclipse as possible before the Moon sets.

There’s no need for specialist equipment or protective eyewear, making it perfectly safe to watch with the naked eye, just like you would a full Moon.

However, as with any celestial event, visibility will ultimately hinge on the weather, and cloud cover could thwart some people from seeing the eclipse.

Exact time and date partial lunar eclipse will be visible in the UK

The partial lunar eclipse will unfold over several hours in the early morning of 28 August. The penumbral phase kicks off at 2.23am BST, marking the moment when the Moon begins to enter Earth’s lighter outer shadow.

The more noticeable partial eclipse will commence at 3.33am BST as the Moon moves into the darker umbra. The event reaches its peak at 5.12am BST, when around 93% of the Moon will be engulfed in Earth’s deepest shadow.

However, observers in the UK and Ireland won’t be able to see the eclipse through to its conclusion, as the Moon will set below the horizon before the event wraps up.

In London, moonset is anticipated at approximately 6.15am, though timings will differ depending on location, while the partial eclipse itself is scheduled to conclude at 6.51am BST.

What to expect from the partial lunar eclipse

During a partial lunar eclipse, the portion of the Moon that travels through Earth’s deepest shadow can adopt a reddish or bronze hue.

This dramatic effect occurs when sunlight gets filtered through Earth’s atmosphere and redirected onto the lunar surface, enabling warmer red tones to reach the Moon while other colours are scattered away.

The eclipse will be observable not only throughout the UK and Ireland but also from vast areas of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Based on the observer’s location and time zone, some regions will witness the event taking place during the late evening of August 27 rather than in the early hours of August 28.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.