Lunar eclipse, known as the 'blood moon,' set to appear with forecasts suggesting a cloud-free sky

The night sky over the UK is set to be a spectacle as a total lunar eclipse, or a "blood moon," is set to be visible from much of England and Wales on Sunday night. This is the first total lunar eclipse visible from the UK since 2022.

The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, has predicted clear skies for Sunday night, providing excellent viewing conditions for stargazers. Dr. Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, suggests being somewhere with a clear view of the eastern horizon to catch a glimpse of this celestial event.

The moon will rise towards the east and head southwards over the course of the night. At its peak, the lunar eclipse will be visible at 7:33 PM. Facing the right direction is crucial to see the moon turn a deep, dark red during the eclipse.

The reddish hue of the moon is due to light passing through the Earth's atmosphere and being refracted, scattering blue light and allowing red wavelengths to reach the moon. The Met Office recommends going to a hill or viewpoint in built-up areas for good visibility.

Lunar eclipses are a good opportunity for observing with kids, as changes can be noticed minute by minute. The next partial lunar eclipse will not be until August 2026, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. This phenomenon is safe to view directly with the naked eye.

In a flat landscape or an elevated position, the lunar eclipse can be observed more easily. For those planning to see the lunar eclipse, it's important to ensure that there aren't things like buildings, trees, or other things in the way of the low horizon.

The search results do not provide the name of the astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich who commented on the total lunar eclipse "Blood Moon." However, it's a fitting name for this stunning celestial event that promises to light up the UK skies this Sunday night.

So, grab your blankets, find a clear spot, and prepare to witness a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. The "Blood Moon" is coming, and it's not one to be missed!