REVEALED: How to view the rare ‘Blood Moon’ lunar eclipse from Ireland this weekend

A record-breaking 7 billion people across the globe, including in Ireland will be able to catch a glimpse of a rare ‘Blood Moon’ lunar eclipse this weekend.

On Sunday evening, the Earth will sit directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon. Depending on the weather, the phenomenon may be visible from Ireland. 

This event is also known as a ‘Blood Moon’ because once in the shadow of the Earth, the moon appears red.

This occurs because the sunlight filters through the atmosphere of the Earth, colouring the moon when no direct sunlight is reaching it.

Although the eclipse will start when the moon is still below the horizon in Ireland, Irish sky-watchers should be able to catch the second half of the show.

READ NEXT: Weather expert warns Storm Amy could be on its way amid disastrous forecast

Astronomy Ireland is encouraging those interested to watch the eastern horizon as the sun sets in the west at around 7:55pm on Sunday evening. 

The moon is expected to rise at exactly the same time, with just the lower left sliver visible and the rest eclipsed. 

The sky may be too bright at sunset to see the moon’s red glow, but as it gets darker and the moon rises higher, Irish astronomers should get a glimpse of the rare phenomenon.

Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, David Moore said: “This is OK as the moon does not slip out of the Earth’s shadow (ending the partial phase of the eclipse) until 8:56pm by which time the moon will be eight degrees up in the east.

“Therefore 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.”

To get the best view of the eclipse, people are advised to go somewhere with as clear a view of the horizon as possible. 

Binoculars or a telescope would be helpful if you have them, as unlike with solar eclipses, which are dangerous to view directly, lunar eclipses won't damage your eyes.

Cloud cover may affect visibility, so people are advised to check their local weather beforehand. 

If it says fine, the eclipse should be visible from all of Ireland until about 9:30pm on Sunday.