Lunar Eclipse In the UK For The Winter Solstice: Earth's Shadow Will Blot Out The Moon | UK News | Sky News

Winter Solstice Will See A Lunar Eclipse

• • Share
• Comments

3:57pm UK, Monday December 20, 2010

Michael Burgess, Sky News Online

Tuesday morning will see a total lunar eclipse as the Earth casts a shadow on the moon, turning the sky a deep red.

The eclipse will be visible from the UK - and is safe to watch without eye protection

Sun worshippers and moon watchers are in for a particular treat as the eclipse marks the rare occasion when the sun and the moon are both visible at the same time.

Also known as a selenelion, the rare cosmic event takes place on the day of the winter solstice, with the full moon making its way through the Earth's shadow at 6.32am.

The total eclipse is expected to begin at 7.40am, reaching its maximum at 8.17am, and ending at 8.53am.

The early morning spectacle is thought to be most visible in southern parts of the UK, where people can expect to see the initial partial phase and the beginning of the total eclipse before the moon sets.

Observers should go out at about 6.30am when, if the sky is clear, the moon will be visible in the western sky.

Johan Mason, of the British Astronomical Association

Totality will be visible in its entirety from Scotland and Northern Ireland, but the moon will be low down after the greatest part of the eclipse.

Johan Mason, from the British Astronomical Association, said: "Observers should go out at about 6.30am when, if the sky is clear, the moon will be visible in the western sky.

"They can continue watching until the eclipse becomes total at 7.40am, and hopefully for a little while after this time if they have an unobstructed view."

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to watch without any protective glasses or equipment.

via news.sky.com