What you need to know about the rare Friday blood moon eclipse

A blood moon will be visible across Ireland and much of the world on Friday night, although heavy showers may prevent skygazers from hoping to see the rare eclipse.

The Blood Moon is a rare celestial event in which the Earth appears in a straight line between the moon and the sun. The shadow of the earth's atmosphere filtered by sunlight appears as a red glow on the surface of the moon.

This will be the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century, from one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds.

The UK and Ireland will not be able to take the start because the moon will still be under the horizon. The partial eclipse will be visible for nearly four hours, however.

David Moore of Astronomy Ireland said that the eclipse would be "unfortunately half finished" before the moon rises here. From 21:30 to 22:15, we will see it low in the southeast. Then from 10:15 to 23:20, we will see the moon come out of the shadow of the Earth. After that, Mars – which is also red – would be visible just below the moon at its closest in 35 years, says Moore.

The total eclipses of the sun and the moon are quite rare, but this will be visible large parts of the planet.

Best views

It will be best seen between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn but will also be partially visible in Europe and South America.

The moon will be just below the horizon when it occurs which means that in order to see the moon of blood, it will be necessary to go to a high point like a hill or a mountain and look towards the southeast horizon.

The blood moon will coincide with the spectacle of Mars, which is also red

Unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar event can be seen without wearing goggles.

Gregory Brown, of the Royal Observatory of Greenwich, said: "As all the eclipse will occur When the Moon is close enough to the horizon, the main thing to do is d & # 39, have a clear line of sight to the southeast

"Try to find an open space or a treeless hill and tall buildings around you."

Those who wake up after 23h will also be able to preview of the International Space Station (ISS), as he moves swiftly across the sky from west to east.

Metireann said that there will be showers Friday at the end of morning, extending to the east, there will also be other heavy showers during the night, heavier in the east and north later in the night.

Great Britain, the Met Office issued a thunderstorm warning Friday afternoon which is expected to last until shortly before midnight.

– Other ra pports: agencies