Thousands to watch rare lunar eclipse

THOUSANDS are expected to look skywards across the country tonight as a total lunar eclipse makes the moon disappear from the sky.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon form a nearly straight line, so that the full moon passes through Earth’s shadow.

According to Astronomy Ireland, there will not be another lunar eclipse until 2010. “The only downside to this particular eclipse will be its timing, occurring in the wee small hours of the morning,” said Dave Grennan of Astronomy and Space magazine.

“However, those willing to brave unsociable hours will be well rewarded.”

He said the eclipse will begin at 12.35am tomorrow morning. “The eclipse progresses until exactly 3am. At this time the moon is completely inside the umbral shadow and the total phase of this eclipse begins.

“‘Totality’ continues for some 51 minutes until the moon begins to emerge from the umbra at 3.51am.”

He said no optical aid is required to see the eclipse but binoculars could add to the experience.