Longest total lunar eclipse for 11 years tonight (Wed)

Look up at the sky from just after 9pm for spectacular views of a very large and very red moon

PEOPLE in West Berkshire will be able to see the longest total lunar eclipse for 11 years, if they look up at the sky tonight (Wednesday).

Starting at about 9.20pm the moon will rise from the east already fully eclipsed before it begins to move into a partial eclipse at around 10.10pm.

It will set in the west by about 10.30pm and during this time people will be able to see a very red and very large moon.

Steve Harris from the Newbury Astronomical Society, said: "The view tonight really could be quite spectacular.

"If it does stay cloudy we are hoping for a repeat of last night's weather where the clouds parted around the same time the eclipse will be happening tonight.

“The moon will also be very low as at this time of year it doesn't rise so much making it seem even bigger and the effect better.

“It really is quite good because the eclipse will be safe to look at for everyone so no special glasses are needed making it a lot easier.”

Mr Harris will be taking pictures of the eclipse at Combe Gibbet and recommended viewing from an open space such as an upstairs window which faces east or from a park.

Send in your accounts and/or pictures of the lunar eclipse to Tanya.Haji@newburynews.co.uk or telephone (01635) 564541.