Newbury astronomers' lunar disappointment

Newbury Astronomical Society was poised for the longest eclipse for 11 years, but the views were blocked by clouds

MEMBERS of Newbury Astronomical Society were left disappointed last night (Wednesday) after the weather ruined their chances of seeing the longest lunar eclipse for 11 years.

Due to the cloudy weather conditions, members of the society who had gathered to see the spectacle said that they could barely see a thing.

People in West Berkshire were poised in the hope of catching a glimpse of a very red and very large moon.

Society member, Steve Harris, said that they knew beforehand that they were not going to get a particularly great view and unlikely to ever be as good as the eclipse they witnessed in 2007, which had happened later in the evening and higher in the sky meaning there was clearer visibility.

He said: "The one last night was always at a loss.

"We are just going to have to wait again for another three or four months."

People in places such as South Africa reported better views of the eclipse with reports saying it lasted up to 100 minutes.