Rare ‘Blood Moon‘ to Grace Irish Skies This Weekend
Astronomy enthusiasts in Ireland are in for a treat this Sunday as a total lunar eclipse, frequently enough called a ‘Blood moon’ due to its reddish hue, will be visible across the country.
The eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface and blocking direct sunlight. According to Astronomy Ireland, the event will unfold between 8pm and 9.30pm, with the East Coast predicted to offer the clearest viewing opportunities.
David Moore, editor of Astronomy Ireland, notes that this will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from Ireland for quite some time, with the next one not expected untill late 2028. To maximize viewing potential, observers are encouraged to find a location with an unobstructed horizon view around 7.30pm to catch the rising Moon.
While the forecast from Met Éireann suggests showers primarily along the Atlantic coast, with clearer conditions expected elsewhere, potential viewers should be aware of possible cloud cover.
Beyond the lunar eclipse, September also brings the autumnal equinox on September 22nd, marking the day when daylight and nighttime hours are of equal length globally.
Looking further ahead, Moore highlighted a notable solar event next year. On August 12th, an almost-total solar eclipse will occur, obscuring over 90% of the sun and causing a noticeable dimming of the landscape and a drop in temperature. While a fully total eclipse will be visible from Spain, Ireland hasn’t experienced a total solar eclipse as 1724 and won’t again until 2090. Moore jokingly suggested booking a trip to Spain to witness the full spectacle.
