A partial lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in Northern Ireland on Friday. The celestial event occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow.
The initial phase, known as the penumbral phase, begins at 02:23 BST as the Moon enters the outer, lighter part of Earth's shadow. A more noticeable stage commences at 03:33 BST when Earth's darker central shadow, the umbra, begins to cover the lunar surface. The eclipse will reach its maximum point at 05:12 BST.
In Belfast, the Moon will be positioned low in the western sky, approximately nine degrees above the horizon, with the eclipse concluding at 06:34 BST. Viewers in Dublin can expect the eclipse to last until 06:38 BST, with the Moon appearing slightly higher in the sky. For those further west, such as in Enniskillen, moonset is scheduled for 06:41 BST, potentially offering a slightly longer viewing window.
Successful observation will depend not only on clear skies but also on having an unobstructed view toward the west to witness the Moon before it sets.
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. The appearance of the Moon can change color, often taking on a reddish hue, due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere.
