People across Merseyside might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a partial lunar eclipse tonight. This happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to embody a deep red colour. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible from the UK and Ireland in the early hours of Friday (August 28).
Around 93% of the Moon is in the darkest part of Earth's shadow at the eclipse's maximum. It is expected to begin around 2.20am, lasting until around 6.50am. However, timings may differ depending on where you are in the county.
Met Office advice on best viewing spots
The Met Office has shared some advice on the best spots to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. The UK forecaster explained some areas may be affected by the weather, which could make it more difficult to see the spectacle.
Advice said: "At the beginning of the event, cloud is forecast across Cornwall and Devon, Wales, the Midlands, parts of northwest England, and most of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Patchier cloud is expected across northeast England."
"The best initial viewing opportunities are therefore likely to be across southern and eastern England. These areas are expected to remain relatively cloud-free from around 2am, potentially allowing observers to see the opening stages of the eclipse."
What time will the partial lunar eclipse happen?
Timings will vary based on location, but the Met Office said the eclipse will be visible from the UK at 2.23am. The Moon will enter the penumbra, the lighter outer part of the Earth’s shadow.
The more obvious partial phase begins at 3.33am, as the Moon moves into the umbra, the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow. From this point, observers may see a curved shadow gradually spreading across the lunar surface.
Maximum eclipse will occur at 5.12am, when around 93% of the Moon will be immersed in the Earth’s darkest shadow. Although the partial phase continues until approximately 6.51am, the Moon will already have set across the UK by then. In London, moonset is expected at around 6.15am, slightly later at 6.24am in Liverpool.
Will it be visible from Liverpool?
People across the country, including Liverpool, might be able to catch a glimpse of the partial lunar eclipse, but experts said southern areas will have the best chance of seeing the spectacle to its full extent.
The Met Office said cloud is forecast to increase overnight, which may make conditions increasingly unfavourable before the eclipse reaches its maximum at 5.12am. The forecaster said: "Cloud cover can vary over relatively short distances, so those planning to watch should check the latest local forecast before setting out."
Sharing some advice on the best places to see the eclipse in your area, the UK weather agency recommended hills, coastlines or any other open locations. Advice said: "The Moon’s low position also means that even where there are gaps in the cloud, cloud close to the horizon could obscure the event."
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch directly. No specialist eye protection is required, although binoculars may provide a more detailed view if skies are clear.
