UK Partial Lunar Eclipse Aug 28, 2026: Moon Turns Red

Skywatchers across the UK could have the opportunity to witness a stunning partial lunar eclipse later this week as the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in the night sky. This cosmic event follows closely after the UK experienced its most dramatic partial solar eclipse in nearly 30 years just weeks prior.

The celestial event will take place during the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, coinciding with a full Moon nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, which may take on a striking reddish glow. Adding to the visual spectacle, the Moon's low position near the horizon will trigger a phenomenon known as the Moon illusion, making the lunar disc appear much larger and more dramatic than usual.

The partial eclipse begins at 03:33 BST in London as the Moon enters the Earth's darkest shadow. It will reach its peak at 05:12 BST when approximately 90% of the lunar surface is positioned within the umbra. By 06:15 BST in London, the Moon will set and move out of sight, though exact moonset times will vary across the country.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. During a partial eclipse, only a portion of the Moon enters the darkest section of the shadow, or umbra. Sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere undergoes scattering, where shorter blue wavelengths scatter more easily, while longer red wavelengths reach the Moon and reflect back toward Earth, creating the characteristic red color.