Partial lunar eclipse: How and when to see it in London

At its peak, more than 90% of the Sun was obscured by the Moon, the most it has been blocked in UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999. After that once-in-a-lifetime event, the lunar eclipse should be yet another exciting sight for stargazers.People gather to view the partial solar eclipse in Greenwich Park on August 12GettyThe astronomical event will see the Moon obscured by Earth’s shadow, with around 93% of its visible diameter expected to be covered at the eclipse’s peak, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming partial lunar eclipse.When will it take place?The eclipse will take place in the early hours of Friday August 28.The phenomenon will begin at around 3.33am in London, reaching its maximum at around 5.12am.The “moonset” will occur at around 6.15am, and the eclipse will end at 6.51am, after the Moon has already disappeared below London’s horizon.What will it look like?At the eclipse’s peak, the moon will appear a deep coppery red, in a phenomenon often referred to as a “blood moon”.This is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere being scattered and reflected back towards the moon. Because the Moon will be hanging low above the south-western horizon during the eclipse, it could appear larger than usual against London’s skyline.Will I need special glasses?Unlike the solar eclipse earlier this month, no special glasses will be needed this Friday.A couple try out their solar eclipse glasses in Greenwich Park during the solar eclipseGettyPeople can look directly at the lunar eclipse without doing any damage to their eyes.It may be worth investing in binoculars or a telescope, however, to get the best look at the moon’s surface.How do I have the best chance to see the eclipse?Astronomers recommend finding a high point with an obstructed view to the south-west to get the best view of the eclipse.Many of the major London parks that were full for the solar eclipse will be closed in the early hours of Friday morning - but Hampstead Heath is open 24 hours, so you could get a good spot on Parliament Hill. Viewing conditions may be hampered by weather conditions however - as of Wednesday afternoon, the forecast suggests that there will be clouds and light rain around the time of the eclipse.