A MAJOR treat is on the way for stargazers as the exact time the moon will turn red in Irish skies later this week has been pinpointed.
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Ireland on Friday, 14 March.
The lunar eclipse will be seen between 4am and 6:50am on Friday morning, with the most striking moment occurring when the moon takes on a deep red hue.
This “Blood Moon” happens as Earth’s shadow falls over the moon, which gives it a vivid crimson colour.
In Ireland, the further north you are, the higher the moon will appear in the sky – so a clear view of the horizon will be important for the best viewing experience.
As the eclipse progresses, the moon will gradually sink lower in the sky and offer a spectacular sight to stargazers.
Unlike solar eclipses, there is no need for special eyewear for this sky event as it is perfectly safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.
And Met Eireann’s weather forecast suggests clear skies earlier in the week will offer ideal conditions to witness the event on Friday morning.
If you miss this total lunar eclipse, there will be another chance to see a lunar event later in the month, with a partial lunar eclipse set for 29 March.
While not as rare as solar eclipses, lunar eclipses still offer a unique opportunity to witness a major shift in the moon’s appearance and colour.
These lunar eclipses are rare and can be seen only up to three times a year, making this Friday’s event a special occurrence.
What’s more, the Northern Lights “could be visible” in Irish skies tonight as clear conditions are set to give a glimpse at the phenomenon.
The country is in for a potentially spectacular light display thanks to the sun being in its most active phase.
And experts are now predicting that a beautiful light display could happen tonight with favourable conditions.
This is part of the sun’s 11-year cycle of solar activity, with bursts of high energy known as solar maximum.
During these bursts, the sun releases charged particles that race through space at nearly one million miles per hour.
When these particles reach Earth, they interact with the atmosphere’s oxygen and nitrogen atoms which create those stunning light displays.
BEST WAY TO SPOT LIGHTS
Those in the north of Ireland have the best chance of seeing the lights yesterday and tonight.
Stargazers should seek out rural locations, coastal spots, or elevated viewpoints across the country to get a darker sky.
Clear skies are also essential for viewing and fortunately, Met Eireann is predicting mostly clear weather for tonight.
Cloud cover could build as the night progresses, so early evening could be the best time for viewing.
Staying informed is key, so it’s a good idea to follow aurora forecasts from the Irish Astronomical Association or Met Éireann.
If you want to capture the aurora on camera, bring a device with manual settings so you can adjust for the low-light conditions.