Stargazers unite as the moon's surface is set to appear red at the height of tonight's (July 16) partial lunar eclipse.
The Royal Astronomical Society has claimed that up to 60 per cent of the moon's surface will appear red or dark grey during the cosmic occurrence, which is scheduled to happen around 10.30pm.
And what makes tonight's partial eclipse even more exciting is that it takes place on the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11 from Florida to land US astronauts on the moon.
The 1969 voyage ended four days later when US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on to the Moon's surface - a mind-blowing coincidence, we think not!
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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth crosses between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface, while a partial eclipse sees the Moon pass through the darkest area of shadow behind the Earth which gives the planet a "half-blood" appearance.
Astronomers have forecast that the eclipse will be seen in the UK between 9pm and 10pm, dependant on how clear the sky is.
The partial lunar eclipse, which comes two weeks after the Moon totally eclipsed the Sun, will also be visible from Africa, Asia, the eastern part of South America as well as western Australia.
Dr Morgan Hollis, from the Royal Astronomical Society, has advised skywatchers to find a "low unobstructed horizon" without tall buildings should they want to witness the event.
Speaking to BBC, Hollis said: "Unlike a solar eclipse it's entirely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, so this one is fine.
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"You don't need any special equipment and it should be fairly warm as well, given temperatures recently. It should be good if the weather is clear and the conditions are clear."
And for those astrology-minded among us, the partial lunar eclipse marks a time of change and release - even if you weren't expecting it.
Astrologer Lisa Stardust spoke to Bustle about the half-blood moon's effect on us and said: "The lunar eclipse on July 16th is a powerful luminary that will urge us all to transform our lives - even if we aren't ready."
Whether prepared or not make sure to check this one out as the next partial lunar eclipse is not expected until 19 November 2021.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
