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Last updated: Tuesday 9th January 2001, 1700 GMT Lunar Eclipse {headline} Experts believe the eclipse could be one of the most dramatic and colourful. This evening all eyes will be on the sky as the moon is eaten away. The eclipse will go on for about three hours, during some of that time the moon will glow red. Lunar eclipses happen when the earth gets between the sun and the moon. The moon only shines because it reflects sunlight, so if that light is blocked, it goes dark. If the cloud holds off Astronomers predict that the 21st century's first total eclipse of the moon will be one of the most dramatic. Astronomers predict that the 21st century's first total eclipse of the moon will be one of the most dramatic. Just before seven o'clock tonight the moon will begin to blacken from the bottom edge as it moves into the earth's shadow. As the Earth gets between the sun and the moon, a "bite" will appear to be taken from one side of the lunar disc. Gradually the "bite" - the curved edge of the Earth's shadow - will creep across the moon's face by eight, the whole lunar surface will be covered, but will still be visible as sunlight striking the edge of the world is bent as it passes through our atmosphere. This filtered light can turn the moon a red or orange colour. A spectacular eclipse needs clear weather. The forecast is for cloud coming from the south-west, but the north of England and Scotland have a very good chance of a dramatic sky at night. Top | News Index | Home

Online camera peers at total lunar eclipse - check out Nottingham's Moon Cam

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