- Select a language for the TTS:
- UK English Female
- UK English Male
- US English Female
- US English Male
- Australian Female
- Australian Male
- Language selected: (auto detect) - EN
Play all audios:
The lunar eclipse should be visible from 9.21pm (BST) in Britain on Friday but thunderstorms set to batter the UK are threatening to hamper the view.
Space journalist Sarah Cruddas told Sky News that those in the east of the country could have an obscured view of the eerie “blood moon”.
To get the best view of the “blood moon” it is recommended to be in a place with no light pollution, such as the countryside or green open spaces.
Ms Cruddas said: “It is going to be around ten to nine depending on whether we get those showers and the position of the showers and heavy thundery storms.
If you have got a break in the sky it’s easy to spot the moon
“Some people will miss it. But if you have got a break in the sky it’s easy to spot the moon. It will be in the south easterly direction travelling westward across the sky and you’ll see it
turn this red sky.
“It is dependent on the weather, as is so much of the astronomy but fingers crossed some people in some parts of the country should be able to see this.
“And, if not, this information is often available on the internet.”
She added: “All you need to do if you haven’t got thunderstorms is just look up at the night sky after ten to nine and you’ll see this moon begin to change this dark red colour.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You
can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The lunar eclipse will be the longest “blood moon” of the 21st Century on Friday, lasting for an epic one hour and 43 minutes.
When asked why the lunar eclipse will last for such a long time, Ms Cruddas said: “It’s all to do with the positioning of the sun and the moon so it changes ever so slightly from year on out
so this is why it’s the longest one this year.
“We will get another one next century but in terms of this century this is the longest one we are going to see.”
Not only is Britain in for a “blood moon” on Friday but at the same time Mars will reach its nearest point to earth in its journey around the sun.
Ms Cruddas said planets do not twinkle so space enthusiasts should be able to spot the planet among stars.
See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.
