A special astronomical event will take place this evening as a blood moon total lunar eclipse rises. The eclipse will be extra special as it coincides with September's full 'Corn Moon', this particular moon gets its name as crops are gathered at the end of the summer season.
As the full moon passes through Earth's shadow, it will turn a deep red shade. The reason for the change in colour is due to sunlight being filtered and refracted through the Earth's atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red wavelengths to reach the Moon.
The total lunar eclipse is worth looking out for as the next one will not happen again until August 2026. Unfortunately, viewing conditions will not be perfect for the UK but some areas will catch better glimpses than elsewhere.
The Met Office has provided an idea of what areas are most fortunate when it comes to seeing the rare event, which will take place at around 7.30pm this evening. On X, the weather agency says: "A lunar eclipse will be visible this evening as the Moon rises from around 19:30 BST.
"With the Moon low on the horizon, you may need to find a high spot with a clear view east for the best chance to see it." An image provided by the Met Office forecasts much of northern England as having "limited viewing" and other areas including Wales, North West and South England as having "good opportunity" to see the spectacle.
Met Office forecasts Ireland with "no totality". While those in easternmost Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia, and western Australia will be able to witness the entire event from start to finish, UK observers will catch the latter stages as the Moon rises.
According to the weather forecast, this evening will bring fairly cloudy conditions to many areas of the UK. The clearest skies for viewing the blood moon are most likely across the southwest and parts of eastern England.
Royal Museums Greenwich says the Moon will rise above the horizon just in time for us to see this total lunar eclipse from the UK. The maximum will occur at 7.33pm BST from the UK, with the eclipse's actual maximum at 7.11pm when the Moon is below the horizon.
The Moon will then "gradually move out of Earth's umbra and penumbra" until 9.55pm. As the Moon will be low on the horizon and quite difficult to see, find a high point with a clear view to the east to see the most of this eclipse.
Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, although binoculars and telescopes are recommended to enhance the view.
To maximise your chance of seeing the eclipse, plan to be in position ahead of 7.30pm with as clear a view of the eastern horizon as possible. In urban areas, this might mean heading to a hill or a popular viewpoint.
The Met Office says: "Cloud cover will be the main obstacle, so flexibility and a bit of luck will be key. If you're clouded out, remember that the next opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse from the UK will be on 28 August 2026."