Lunar eclipse 2019: How to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking event TONIGHT

The event is particularly special for stargazers, as the date coincides with the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 11 launching on its Moon mission. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are almost exactly in line and the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The Moon is full, moves into the shadow of the Earth and dims dramatically but usually remains visible, lit by sunlight that passes through the Earth’s atmosphere.

The eclipse can be seen in the UK from moonrise, which starts at approximately 9.07pm BST, until around 1.17am.

The entire event will last for around five and a half hours, ending at 1.17am on July 17.

According to the Royal Astronomical Society, mid-eclipse is expected to take place at 10.30pm, when about 60 percent of the visible surface of the Moon will be covered by the umbra.

The umbra can sometimes appear red in colour to people observing from the ground due to a more powerful atmospheric scattering of blue light hitting the surface.

READ MORE: Lunar eclipse pregnancy: Can pregnant women sleep during an eclipse?

Dr Morgan Hollis from the Royal Astronomical Society said: “You’re looking for anywhere that has a low unobstructed horizon, no tall buildings and trees in the way.

“Unlike a solar eclipse, it’s entirely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

“This one is fine, you don’t need any special equipment and it should be fairly warm as well, given temperatures recently, it should be good if the weather is clear and the conditions are clear.”

The event will also take place over much of Asia, Africa, eastern parts of South America, and the western parts of Australia.

The lunar eclipse will be available to be live streamed from the Royal Museum Greenwich website, which can be found HERE.

A solar eclipse occurs two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse.

Usually, there are two eclipses in a row, but other times, there are three during the same eclipse season.

The next solar eclipse will take place on December 26, 2019, and will be visible in Saudi Arabia, southern India, and parts of Indonesia.

source: express.co.uk