Instructions for capturing this weekend's Blood Moon total lunar eclipse on camera

Get ready for an astronomical event of the year! The lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, will be visible from the UK, and photography enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to capture this celestial spectacle. Here are some tips and advice to help you get the best shots of the lunar eclipse.

Camera Setup

For the best results, use a dedicated camera fitted with a lens of at least 400mm focal length on a full-frame sensor. A DSLR or equivalent with a 400mm or longer lens is recommended. If you are using a smartphone, stay within the phone's optical zoom range for the best quality images.

Focusing and Mounting

Accurately focus your camera lens on the Moon and secure the focus ring with low-tack electrical tape before the eclipse. Mounting your camera on a fixed platform or a tracking mount will help achieve excellent, sharp images.

Positioning

It's recommended to catch the Moon as close to the horizon as possible. The Moon will rise at azimuth 100° or just south (right) of east from the centre of the UK. Plan your location accordingly, considering weather and unobstructed views. Low haze can easily hide the Moon, so give yourself plenty of time on the night of the eclipse. Binoculars will be very helpful.

Timing

The Moon will already be eclipsed when it rises above the horizon in the UK. The totality of the lunar eclipse will have ended about 15 minutes before the Moon rises above the horizon. Extending the capture session too long with a planetary camera setup may cause the movement of Earth's shadow to blur the edge of the Moon more than usual.

Practice and Expert Guidance

Practise using your camera setup for the lunar eclipse, especially if you plan to relocate on eclipse day. If you're a photographer in the UK looking for tips and advice, consider contacting astronomical or astrophotography societies or organizations specializing in astronomy and astronomy photography in the UK, such as the Royal Astronomical Society or local astronomy clubs, for expert guidance on photographing lunar eclipses.

Post-Processing

A planetary camera setup can be used to capture the entire Moon in a single frame, using multi-frame imaging and software like AutoStakkert! for analysis and stacking.

Don't forget to share your images of the September 2025 lunar eclipse! You can email them to contactus@our website.

With these tips in mind, you're now well-equipped to capture the September 2025 lunar eclipse. Happy stargazing!