Fans of astronomy will get a rare opportunity this weekend as a total lunar eclipse will appear in the skies over Ireland.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow across the Moon’s surface.
The slightly reddish hue of the moon during the eclipse means it is often referred to as a ‘Blood Moon’.
According to Astronomy Ireland, the eclipse will last from 8pm to 9.30pm on Sunday and will be visible across Ireland, with the East Coast offering the best views.
The editor of Astronomy Ireland, David Moore, said the next total lunar eclipse will not occur until late 2028.
The best chance of viewing the eclipse is from a location with a clear view of the horizon at around 7.30pm, allowing an unobstructed view of the rising Moon.
However, the weather may not cooperate. Met Éireann’s latest forecast for Sunday evening predicts: “Any showers will mainly affect Atlantic fringes on Sunday night with long clear spells elsewhere.”
September will also see the autumnal equinox arrive.
On September 22, day and night will be of equal length for everyone on Earth.
Mr Moore added that an almost-total solar eclipse will occur next year on August 12, covering more than 90% of the sun.
He said the phenomenon will cause the landscape to dim and temperatures to drop during the eclipse.
“It is fully total from Spain and we advise people to book a holiday in the sun for this date,” said Mr Moore.
“There has not been a total solar eclipse on Irish soil since 1724 and there will not be another one until 2090.”