First total eclipse of century may turn Moon red

The first total lunar eclipse of the 21st century will take place tomorrow night and could prove to be one of the most spectacular in recent years.

The first total lunar eclipse of the 21st century will take place tomorrow night and could prove to be one of the most spectacular in recent years.

Astronomers are forecasting that the Moon will appear blood red if there is no cloud.

Starting at about 6.40pm, people across Britain and western Europe should have the best view, although the Moon will also be visible in Africa and some parts of Asia. A "bite" will gradually appear until the disc is consumed by darkness at about 7.50pm. By 10pm all will have returned to normal.

Once, the sight of the Moon "turning to blood" was regarded as an omen of disaster. But today it is known that the Earth's biggest satellite sometimes turns red because of the way light from the Sun filters through our atmosphere before it glances off the Moon.

A colourful spectacle is expected tomorrow because the amount of dust in the Earth's upper atmosphere will be at an optimum level.

Robin Scagell, the vicepresident of the Society for Popular Astronomy, said: "The Moon will darken and may turn a reddish or yellow colour, depending on how much cloud there is around. It's going to be a nice one - assuming the weather is clear, of course."