A lunar eclipse is set be partially visible to Londoners early on Friday morning.
The full eclipse takes place after the moon sets for those watching the skies in the UK, but Londoners will still be able to see the beginning of the solar event between 5.30am and 6am.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth, moon and sun are aligned, causing our planet to cast a shadow over the moon.
Award-winning astrophotographer Josh Drury has observed numerous astrological events and has pointed out what to look out for on Friday morning.
The 27-year-old said: “You will notice one edge of the moon beginning to get darker and darker.
“For around 15 minutes, we may see the moon turn a blood red colour.”
Most smartphone cameras have a telephoto lens which takes clear images of the night sky, and Drury recommended people go outside to take photos of the moon.
The lunar eclipse can be seen best from somewhere high up with a good view of the western horizon, such as Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill in north London, and Blackheath south of the river.
Clear weather conditions are needed to have a good view of the lunar blocking, and weather reports have shown there may be patches of cloud in London’s skies on Friday morning.
Care should be taken when looking at the eclipse, as it takes place before sunrise, when the sun’s light can damage the naked eye.
University College London astrophysicist Dr Francisco Diego suggested wearing solar eclipse glasses when looking directly at the sun.
Dr Diego said: “People mistake that the eclipse is not dangerous, the eclipse is not dangerous.
“What is dangerous is to look at the sun, whether there is an eclipse or not, without protection.”
On Thursday night there will be a rare perfect full moon, a phenomenon where it is almost 100% fully visible, and it will be high in the sky throughout the night.
Along with the lunar eclipse, there will be a partial solar eclipse in two weeks’ time on Saturday 29 March.
The moon is due to block one third of the sun and this phenomenon will be visible without specialist equipment.
The event will begin at 10am and finish at 12pm on the day, with the effects being clearest at 11am.
The Flamsteed Astronomy Society, a community group which operates out of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, is putting on a viewing event which is open to the public.
Committee member Mike Meynell said: “[The partial solar eclipse] is a bit more spectacular, and we will have special telescopes to allow us to view the sun safely.”
The Royal Observatory Greenwich will also host a livestream of the partial solar eclipse on their website.
Picture Credit: Dr Francisco Diego from the University College London observatory at Mill Hill
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