ANOTHER heavenly display is about to take place this week. The Earth’s Shadow is due to track across the Moon, as UK and most of Europe will witness a Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse. 

For those early risers who are watching the sky will be reward by the site of the Moon appearing to glow red before dawn, on:- 28 August 2026.

The astronomical show begins at:- 3.33 am BST, when the Moon's familiar full disc begins to disappear behind the shadow of the Earth. Unlike the Partial Solar Eclipse, you can watch this happen with your eyes and magnification devices.  By the time the eclipse reaches its greatest extent, shortly after:- 5.10 am, only a thin sliver of the Moon's surface from our view will remain in direct sunlight, roughly an hour before sunrise.

If weather conditions allow, watchers will see roughly 93% of the Moon covered at its peak.

Lunar Eclipses are far more common than Solar Eclipses, occurring between:- 2 and 5 times per year globally (averaging:- 2 to 3 times) all over the world. Sadly, not all are visible from the UK, but when they are, it provides us a stunning opportunity to capture an amazing astronomical spectacle. You do not require special equipment to do this. You can even use your mobile phone camera!

If you are taking s picture with a traditional SLR or Digital SLR, we suggest you look at using a:- tripod, 200 mm to 600 mm telephoto lens, and a remote shutter trigger or a timer to reduce camera shake.

Upcoming August 2026 Eclipse Details:-

3:33 am – Partial eclipse begins.

5:12 am – Maximum coverage (deep coppery-red tint).

6:15 am – Moonsets across the UK during the event as the Sun comes up.

On the morning of:- 28 August 2026, sunrise times across the UK occur around 6:06 am BST to 6:13 am BST depending on your precise location:-

London / South East: 6:06 am BST.

Liverpool / North West: 6:13 am BST.

Edinburgh / Scotland: 6:11 am BST.