Star gazers prepare for total eclipse

There will be a total eclipse of the moon on Saturday March 3rd that will be visible all over Ireland.

There will be a total eclipse of the moon on Saturday March 3rd that will be visible all over Ireland.

During this rare event, the full moon passes into the Earth's shadow, darkening and turning a deep red colour for over an hour.

No telescope, or other equipment is needed to view the eclipse. A darkened chunk will appear on the moon's edge, growing as time progresses to eventually swallow the entire disc.

The moon will be totally inside the shadow between 10.44pm and 11.58pm, when it will appear a coppery red colour.

"The eclipse is always an event that holds a certain fascination with the general public. We are urging everyone in Ireland to go out and watch the eclipse on the night," said Astronomy Ireland chairman David Moore.

Astronomy Ireland will be running eclipse watches nationwide. Information can be found at www.astronomy.ie

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