What Time Is the Lunar Eclipse Today in the UK? (Sun 7 September 2025, BST)
A total lunar eclipse is happening this evening. From the UK, the Moon rises already in eclipse, glowing copper-red low in the eastern sky before gradually brightening. Below are the exact UK times, quick city look-ups, where to look, and simple tips so you catch the best moments. (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
Quick answer (UK today, BST)
- London moonrise: ~19:30 — Moon rises already eclipsed and very dim near the horizon.
- Best visible moment (London): ~19:33 (true maximum occurs below the UK horizon).
- Totality ends: 19:52 (UK-wide).
- Partial phase ends: 20:56.
- Penumbral shading ends: 21:55. (Time and Date, Royal Museums Greenwich)
Royal Observatory Greenwich: the maximum you’ll see in the UK is around 19:33 BST; the eclipse then winds down until ~21:55. Choose a spot with a clear view to the east. (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Where (and how) to look
Face East to East-southeast. Because the Moon rises while still in total eclipse, it will be unusually faint at first—high ground or a seafront with an unobstructed horizon helps a lot. No special glasses needed for a lunar eclipse. (Time and Date)
City times at a glance (BST)
Everyone in the UK sees the eclipse already in progress at moonrise; minutes vary by location.
| City | Moonrise / first good view* | Totality ends | Partial ends | Penumbral ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | ~19:30 (near-max view ~19:33) | 19:52 | 20:56 | 21:55 |
| Manchester | 19:41 (near-max ~19:46) | 19:52 | 20:56 | 21:55 |
| Cardiff | 19:42 (near-max ~19:46) | 19:52 | 20:56 | 21:55 |
| Edinburgh | 19:48 (near-max ~19:51) | 19:52 | 20:56 | 21:55 |
| Belfast | 19:57 (totality just ending; partial then penumbral visible) | — | 20:56 | 21:55 |
*“First good view” = when the eclipsed Moon is just above your local horizon and easier to spot.
Sources: timeanddate city pages and UK overview. (Time and Date)
Full UK timeline (what’s happening tonight)
- Before UK moonrise: True greatest eclipse at 19:11 BST (below the UK horizon).
- ~19:30 (London): Moon rises already in total eclipse; very faint and low.
- 19:52: Totality ends — Moon begins to brighten as it leaves Earth’s umbra.
- 20:56: Partial phase ends.
- 21:55: Penumbral shading ends and the eclipse is over. (Time and Date, Royal Museums Greenwich)
What you’ll see
A deep red “Blood Moon” low in the east just after moonrise, then a steady brightening after 19:52 as it exits the dark central shadow. Because it’s so low and dim at first, give your eyes a few minutes and keep scanning just above the horizon. (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Viewing & photo tips (simple and safe)
- No eye protection required (that’s only for solar eclipses). Binoculars or a small scope enhance the view.
- Phone photos: use night mode, stabilise the phone (tripod/railing), tap to focus on the Moon.
- Cameras: during totality try ISO 800–1600, f/4–f/5.6, 1/4–1 s; shorten exposure as it brightens.
- Frame a foreground (piers, skylines, hilltop monuments) for drama at low altitude. (Verify exact local times on your city page.) (Time and Date)
FAQs
Why 19:33 is the “best moment” for London if maximum was 19:11?
Because the true maximum happens below the horizon for London. By ~19:33 the Moon is finally high enough to see well while still in totality. (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Is it visible across the whole UK?
Yes, but already eclipsed at moonrise. Northern Ireland catches the eclipse as totality ends, then the partial and penumbral phases. (Time and Date)
Where can I check precise local times for my town?
Use the location pages and animations on timeanddate for minute-by-minute phases and moonrise. (Time and Date)
Conclusion
For UK observers tonight (Sun 7 September 2025): be in position facing east by ~19:30 BST. You’ll catch a reddish, low Moon already in total eclipse, with the best visible moment right after it clears your horizon (~19:33 London). Totality ends at 19:52, and the eclipse fades by 21:55. Clear horizons and a little patience are the secrets to seeing it at its most dramatic. (Royal Museums Greenwich)