Clear skies expected for lunar eclipse

Clear skies across the country look set to provide perfect views of the rare phenomenon of a total eclipse of the moon over Ireland…

Clear skies across the country look set to provide perfect views of the rare phenomenon of a total eclipse of the moon over Ireland tonight.

The silvery full moon will darken and turn a deep, coppery red as the Earth casts a shadow over it at around 10pm.

The spectacle will last well over an hour.

At first a darkened chunk will appear on the moon's edge, gradually spreading until it is totally covered by the Earth's shadow between 10.44pm and 11.58pm.

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Met Eireann said today would start off bright and fresh with sunny spells and scattered showers. These would gradually clear throughout the day and by night time there would be clear skies everywhere.

Astronomy Ireland chairman David Moore said the eclipse should be visible right across the country and encouraged everyone to get out and view it.

"We are urging everyone in Ireland to go out and watch the eclipse on the night. You don't need a telescope or binoculars so it is something everyone can see," said.