Rare 'Super Blood Moon' will be visible from Northern Ireland this weekend
The last total lunar eclipse was back in July
Last updated 16th Jan 2019
Skygazing fans are in for a treat, as weather permitting, a rare lunar phenomenon will be visible from the skies above Northern Ireland on Sunday night.
If you're willing to stay up through the early hours, a total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'blood moon' will be on display.
The event coincides with a supermoon making it even more exciting. During this time, the moon will appear 14% bigger and 30% brighter as it reaches its closes point to Earth.
When will the lunar eclipse be visible in the UK?
The optimal viewing time to see the eclipse is between 4:41am – 5:43am Monday morning.
This is the period of totality, where the moon lies entirely in the Earth’s umbra and will appear red.
How can I see the lunar eclipse?
You don't need any special equipment to see the lunar eclipse, it will be just visible as you would normally view the Moon. But this is all weather permitting of course, and for the best view experts advise that you find an open, unobstructed space with a clear view.
How long will the lunar eclipse last?
From start to finish the eclipse will last approximately five hours, however the totality (Blood Moon) will last for 62 minutes.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between Sun and the Moon causing a shadow to cover the Moon.
What is a blood moon?
As the eclipse starts and ends the Moon appears to go dark, because of the shadow, however, during the full eclipse (totality) the Moon turns a blood red colour. This red colour is widely thought to be because of the light from the Sun is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere.
For many years the red Moon was thought to be the end of the world, however, these days many people enjoy looking at the beautiful, natural phenomenon.
Where is the lunar eclipse visible?
The total lunar eclipse will be visible over the Americas and northern and western Europe.
When is the next lunar eclipse?
We'll have to wait a while as the next full total lunar eclipse visible from the UK will be on 16th May 2022.