A partial lunar eclipse, often called a Blood Moon, is expected in the early hours of Friday, offering stargazers across western England a chance to see the Moon turn reddish as it moves into Earth’s darkest shadow. The event will be especially striking because the Moon will be low on the horizon, making it appear unusually large through the Moon Illusion, although cloud and rain may obstruct views.

The Moon is due to begin entering the umbra at about 03:33 BST, with around 90% covered at roughly 05:12 BST. Astronomers recommend elevated locations with clear south-western views, including hills and viewpoints around Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire; however, the Met Office expects increasingly cloudy, unsettled weather overnight, with only occasional clearer spells possible.