March 2025 will be an interesting month for observers, as both a partial lunar eclipse and partial solar eclipse will be visible from UK shores.
Lunar eclipse, 14th March 2025
The full moon this month will occur on the 14th, and with it will come a lunar eclipse. It will be visible in the morning hours, just as the Moon sets. Unfortunately however, the Moon will set for much of the UK just before the total phase begins (though Ireland and the far west of Britain may see it for a short time), resulting in a large partial eclipse visible.
The penumbral phase will begin at approximately 03:57, followed by the partial phase at 05:09. For those lucky enough to see totality, this will begin at 06:25.
Solar eclipse, 29th March 2025
Two weeks later at the new moon, we will then be treated to a decent partial solar eclipse visible on the morning of 29th. It will range from approximately 40% coverage in the south east, to over 50% coverage in the north west of Scotland.
Times for this are as followed: first contact will occur at approximately 10:05, with the point of largest eclipse visible around 11:05, before last contact at 12:04. The exact times will vary by a few minutes depending on exactly where you are in the country.
Let's hope the weather is kind to us this month!