LUNAR ECLIPSE SATURDAY 8th NOVEMBER
 
Stargazers will be treated to a wonderful astronomical phenomenon on the evening of Saturday 8th November when a total lunar eclipse will be visible from Northern Ireland. A total lunar eclipse is a rare occurrence which happens when the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow. To observers the Moon will appear to darken as the Sun's light is blocked by the Earth. This should be the best lunar eclipse for three years and is a sight not to be missed!
 

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TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

DURING A LUNAR ECLIPSE THE MOON OFTEN DISPLAYS A RED HUE. THIS IS DUE TO TO THE DUST AND POLLUTION IN THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE.
The Moon will enter the outer shadow known as the penumbra at 10.15pm on Saturday 8th, however the total phase of the eclipse commences when the Moon becomes completely immersed in the darker umbral shadow at 01.06am on Sunday 9th. Totality will last for about 25 minutes, after which the Moon will exit the umbra at about 03.40am.

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A TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE OCCURS WHEN THE MOON COMPLETELY ENTERS THE EARTH'S DARK SHADOW KNOWN AS THE UMBRA (Image courtesy of Fred Espenak).

 
For more information on lunar eclipses visit 'Lunar Eclipses For Beginners' by Fred Espenak
 
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