Rare ‘Blood Moon’ event to hit UK skies tomorrow night

Lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red over the UK this thursday

Early risers will get the best of it, capping a busy few months for British stargazers that has already delivered one of the year's strongest meteor showers and a parade of planets.

The event is said to turn the moon into a rusty, 'blood red' in what caps a summer filled with artonomical phenomenons over British skies.

The phenomenon is popularly known as the 'Blood Moon', and no two look quite the same.

How deep the colour goes depends on what is floating above us. However, Brittons will be able to catch the event with 94% of it covered in its eerie red dress.

However, the 'Blood Moon' is not a sign of the end times.

Even at night, sunlight still leaks around the edges of the Earth, as an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich explained.

Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Jake Foster, said: "Our atmosphere then filters the sunlight that passes through it.

"It allows mainly red light to reach the moon and illuminating the lunar surface in an eerie red light."

Best places in the UK to gaze upon the moon

Unfortunately, not everyone in the UK will be as lucky as others in catching a glimpse of the skies tonight.

Bad weather and cloudy skies might be the reason for why you won't be able to see the Blood Moon.

Here are the 10 safest places to catch the astronomical event in the UK.

England

• North East: Kielder Forest Observatory, Northumberland
• North West: Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre, Ennerdale
• South West: Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor
• East: WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lee Valley Regional Park
• South: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire

Wales

• Mountain Centre, Libanus, Brecon Beacons

Scotland

• Cabrach, Moray
• Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian
• Glen Nevis, Lochaber
• Kinloch Forest, Skye and Lochalash

Tips to can you catch the 'Blood Moon' in all of its glory

A big difference between a lunar and solar eclipse is that, unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses occur at the same time for everyone.

It is safe to see with the naked eye

No specialised glasses are necessary to enjoy the scenery.

However, if you carry a pair of binoculars during the event, you will be able to spot craters' shadows dancing with the moving sun rays hitting the moon.

Get your timing right

Yes, it seems redundant to say as this event is set to last longer than a solar eclipse.

However, if you wish to catch the peak of the moon's red veil, be aware of the time it happens in your area.

The event will take place from 2:13 am to 8:01 am, with its peak around 5:12 am on the night of Friday 28 August.

Whether you will stay up and catch a glimpse from the start of the event, or an early bird to see the phenomena in all it's glory, the event will be quite a lengthy one compared to the previous solar eclipse.

Get away from light pollution

If you wish to experience the phenomena in all of its glory, keep away from cities and highly concentrated areas with lots of light, it will give you to best view possible when looking up to the skies.

Find a clear horizon

This one seems obvious at first, but it might make or break your efforts to experience the Blood Moon.

Find a clear horizon to catch the moon as hills and mountains can end up blocking your sight on the target.

Make yourself comfortable

Yes, it's summer. However, standing up for hours might not be the most optimal way to enjoy the nightly event.

Make sure to bring a cozy blanket or a sweater, maybe a some warm drinks with a camping chair, especially since temperatures have dropped in the last weeks all over the UK.

All in all, keep in mind that the best ways to catch the Blood Moon in all of its glory are quite simple, yet crucial for the bravest of the bravest.