After a summer marked by celestial wonders, skywatchers across the United Kingdom are preparing for a rare double feature in the night sky: the elusive black moon and the much-anticipated Blood Moon lunar eclipse. With both events occurring within weeks of each other, August and September 2025 are shaping up to be a golden era for astronomy enthusiasts—whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who loves gazing up in wonder.
First up is the black moon, a mysterious phenomenon that’s set to unfold in the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, this event will take place at around 6:06 AM GMT, and it’s generating a fair bit of buzz among the astronomical community. But don’t expect to see a dramatic spectacle: the black moon is, by definition, invisible from Earth. It’s a type of new moon, one of the eight lunar phases, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. During this phase, the side of the moon that faces Earth isn’t illuminated, making it disappear from view entirely.
What makes the black moon so intriguing, then, if you can’t see it? For starters, it’s a rare occurrence. There are two types of black moons: the seasonal black moon, which happens roughly once every 33 months, and the monthly black moon, which occurs when two new moons fall within a single calendar month. The August 23 event is a seasonal black moon, and the next one won’t appear until August 20, 2028. If you’re waiting for the next monthly black moon, you’ll have to hold out until August 31, 2027.
While the black moon itself is invisible, its arrival is a gift for stargazers. With no moonlight to wash out the sky, stars and even faint celestial objects become much easier to spot. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, "the absence of moonlight during the lunar event will mean that all light from the moon that typically blocks views of stars will not be there." For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way or spot a few meteors, these are ideal conditions.
How can you make the most of this rare opportunity? Experts recommend heading for a dark-sky area with an unobstructed view towards the south. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair so you can lie back and take in as much of the sky as possible. Your naked eye is actually the best tool for viewing meteors and stars, since binoculars and telescopes have narrow fields of view. Remember to let your eyes adjust to the darkness and avoid looking at your phone or any bright lights—this will help you see even the faintest stars.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Just a couple of weeks after the black moon, another, far more visible lunar phenomenon will grace the UK sky: the Blood Moon lunar eclipse, set for the evening of September 7, 2025. This event is being hailed as one of the most dramatic celestial sights of the year, and for good reason. According to Secret London, the Blood Moon is a total lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that turns the moon a striking coppery-red or orange color.
This transformation is thanks to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, the shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, leaving the longer red wavelengths to bathe the moon’s surface in an eerie glow. The result? A moon that looks as if it’s been dipped in blood—hence the name.
Timing is everything for this event. The eclipse will reach its maximum at 7:11 PM BST on September 7, but at that moment, the moon will still be below the UK horizon. The real show begins around 7:33 PM BST, when the moon rises already fully eclipsed and glowing red. As the evening progresses, the moon will gradually slip out of Earth’s shadow, with the partial eclipse phase ending at approximately 9:55 PM BST.
For the best view, find an elevated spot with an unobstructed view to the eastern horizon. The moon will rise low and could be tricky to spot at first, especially in the fading twilight. But as the sky darkens, the spectacle will become impossible to miss. One tip: try to catch the moon as it rises in the so-called Belt of Venus, a pinkish band that appears above the eastern horizon at sunset. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Unlike solar eclipses, the Blood Moon is perfectly safe to observe with the naked eye. There’s no need for special glasses or equipment—just find a good vantage point and soak in the view. And if you’re hoping to capture the moment, bring your camera and be ready for some truly unique shots.
This will be the second lunar eclipse of 2025 for the UK, following a partial eclipse in March that was only briefly visible as the moon set. But what makes the September event so special is its rarity. According to Secret London, "the next total lunar eclipse after September 2025 for UK viewers will not occur for over three years." In other words, if you miss this one, you’ll be waiting quite a while for another chance.
With two such distinct lunar phenomena happening so close together, the UK is in for an astronomical treat. The black moon offers a moment of darkness perfect for stargazing, while the Blood Moon promises a fiery display that’s sure to capture the imagination of anyone who looks up. For astronomers and casual observers alike, it’s a reminder of the wonders that unfold above us, often unnoticed, as our planet dances through the cosmos.
So, whether you’re planning to rise before dawn for the black moon or stake out a spot for the Blood Moon’s dramatic ascent, now’s the time to mark your calendar and prepare. These events aren’t just scientific curiosities—they’re opportunities to reconnect with the night sky, to marvel at nature’s rhythms, and to share a sense of wonder with friends, family, or even just yourself. As the moon cycles through its phases and the shadows of Earth paint it red, the universe offers a spectacular show—if only we remember to look up and watch.
