Extremely rare total lunar eclipse ‘blood moon’ to be visible in Ireland tonight

Astronomy Ireland is encouraging everyone in Ireland to get out and catch a glimpse.

You heard that right; Astronomy Ireland is encouraging everyone in the country to get out in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the deep partial eclipse of the moon.

The eclipse is set to be visible at sunset from 8pm to 9.30pm, with the east of the country expected to get the best view.

It would be seen glowing a very dull red (what some call a 'blood red Moon') were it not for the fact that at sunset the sky is too bright with very strong twilight.

Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, David Moore commented: “I would be watching the east horizon (exactly opposite the Sun in the sky) from just before 8pm and until 8.56pm. At some stage you will see the partially eclipsed Moon low in the east, assuming the sky is clear of course."

The eclipse should be visible from all of Ireland until about 9:30pm.

Additionally, next summer, we could see yet another solar eclipse.

"There will be an almost-total eclipse of the Sun next year on August 12, 2026, that will see over 90pc of the Sun covered, a totally different phenomenon that will see the landscape dim and temperatures drop," said Moore.

While some may be able to catch a glimpse tonight, we will have to wait a while longer until we get a chance to witness a total lunar eclipse

"There will not be a total eclipse of the Moon visible from Ireland until New Year's Eve 2028, over three years away, so we want people to make the most of this eclipse and send us their photos for a special edition of Astronomy Ireland magazine we are going to publish," explained Moore.

The chairman described solar eclipses as 'the most spectacular sight in nature', urging people to get out and capture the special moment.

In some bad news, the lunar eclipse may be tricky to see tonight given Met Éireann’s gloomy forecast, particularly in the wes.

The rest of the country may have a better shot at visibilty with 'long clear spells' expected.

Further, Astronomy Ireland has produced a special 'Eclipse issue' detailing the event, which is now available on their website.