Moon turns red during rare eclipse over UK

Did you know the Moon can change colour? On August 28, people across the UK will see something special in the night sky. The Moon will turn red.

This happens during a lunar eclipse. An eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon. Earth's shadow covers the Moon. Usually, the Moon disappears into darkness. But something surprising happens first.

As Earth's shadow touches the Moon, light still reaches it. This is not normal sunlight. The light bends around Earth. It passes through our air and dust. The air makes the light turn red and orange. So the Moon appears reddish-brown — like rust. People call this the "blood moon."

A partial lunar eclipse means Earth's shadow covers only part of the Moon. The rest stays bright and white. You can see the shadow line move slowly across the Moon's face. This slow movement is the fun part. You watch it change for hours.

Why does this happen only sometimes? The Moon's path around Earth is tilted. Usually, Earth's shadow misses the Moon completely. But a few times each year, the three objects line up perfectly. That is when we see an eclipse.

You do not need special glasses for a lunar eclipse. You can watch with your eyes or binoculars. Just look up at night and be patient. The Moon will tell its own story.

Have you ever seen the Moon change colour? What would you do to prepare for this August evening?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.