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6:00 PM 17th September 2024
nature

Don’t Miss Wednesday’s Lunar Eclipse

 
Image by Darren Danks from Pixabay
Image by Darren Danks from Pixabay
Tomorrow Wednesday (18th September), the UK will have the opportunity to witness a stunning partial lunar eclipse, as the Earth's shadow partially covers the moon, creating a celestial display worth staying up for. Interest is ramping up across the country, with UK searches for 'September lunar eclipse 2024' rising by over 5,000% in the past month, according to Google Trends.

As this rare event unfolds, stargazers and night sky enthusiasts will want to ensure they have the best possible view. To help you capture every moment of this lunar spectacle, Giants Causeway Tour have compiled expert tips that will guide you to the perfect spot and ensure you don’t miss out on the event.

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, but they are not perfectly aligned. As a result, only a portion of the moon passes through the Earth's umbra, the central and darkest part of its shadow. The rest of the moon remains in the ‘penumbra’, the lighter outer part of the shadow, meaning it is still fully illuminated by the sun.

During a partial lunar eclipse, the shadowed part of the moon appears darkened, while the rest remains bright. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, where the entire moon enters the Earth's umbra and often takes on a reddish colour, a partial eclipse only darkens part of the moon's surface, creating a striking visual contrast.

The visibility of a partial lunar eclipse depends on your location on Earth, with the best views typically occurring where the Moon is high in the sky at the time of the eclipse. Luckily for Belfastians, they will get a fantastic view of the partial eclipse on the night of Wednesday 18th September this year.

When is the best time to see the partial eclipse?

The eclipse will be visible in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica. Timings vary by region, but here’s the best time to see it in the UK.

The partial eclipse will be visible on Wednesday 18th September between the hours of 01:41 am and 05:47 am.

To get the best view of the eclipse, find a dark spot and aim to view the spectacle between 03:12 am and 04:15 am, with the maximum eclipse appearing at 03:44 am across the United Kingdom.

Expert tips to viewing the partial eclipse:

1. Plan your timings


Aside from knowing when the lunar eclipse will be, make sure you plan other things like travel, getting a good spot well in advance, and know how you’re going to get home.

You should aim to view the eclipse between 03:12 am and 04:15 am, but if you’re planning to try and get a good viewing spot you may want to arrive even earlier to secure your space.

2. Find a clear, elevated viewing spot

You may be lucky and get a good view from your house, but residential areas can be full of light pollution and you may not get the best view.

The UK is full of great viewpoints, you can identify one by looking for an area with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon, away from buildings and trees that could obstruct your view of the moon.

3. Consider binoculars or a good camera

While the partial lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can enhance your experience by allowing you to see more details of the lunar surface and the Earth's shadow moving across it.

If you’re into photography, a lunar eclipse is a great opportunity for some stunning photos. Use a camera with a telephoto lens or even a smartphone with a good zoom feature. A tripod is essential for steady shots, especially in low light. Even better, you then get bragging rights on Facebook, as happened with the Northern Lights spectacle in May.

4. Check the weather forecast

In typical UK fashion, it’s not unusual for clouds or rain to get in the way, so keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the eclipse. Cloud cover can obstruct your view of the moon, so if the forecast predicts clouds or rain, consider having a backup plan, such as a location with less light pollution or travelling to a nearby area with a clearer sky.

Evenings can be chilly, so make sure to bring extra layers, and a blanket or a comfortable chair to sit on. A thermos of hot drink can also make the experience more enjoyable, especially if you're planning to watch for an extended period.

5. Join a viewing party, or bring some friends

Consider joining a local astronomy club or attending a public viewing event. The UK has many active astronomy groups that may host eclipse-viewing events with telescopes and knowledgeable guides. This can enhance your experience and provide you with insights from experts and fellow enthusiasts.

If you don’t want to go that far, consider hosting your own viewing party with friends. Bring games, snacks and hot drinks to make the waiting go faster - especially if you’ve gone early to bag yourself one of the best spots.

Where is the best place to see the partial eclipse

While the eclipse will be visible around much of the UK and further afield, Giants Causeway Tour have compiled a list of the best spots to witness the event in Northern Ireland:

Divis and the Black Mountain, Belfast

Why? Located just outside Belfast, this area offers panoramic views over the city and the western horizon. It's one of the highest points in the region, reducing the risk of obstructions.

Access: Easily accessible by car, with a short hike to reach the best viewing spots.

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry

Why? The temple sits on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering unobstructed views to the west. It's also a dark sky area, which reduces light pollution.

Access: Accessible by car, with a short walk from the parking area to the temple.

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Why? This iconic location not only offers stunning scenery but also excellent western views over the sea, making it perfect for eclipse viewing.

Access: Accessible by car, with a bit of a walk from the visitor centre to the best viewing spots.

Gortin Glen, County Tyrone

Why? A more remote location with high elevations, Gortin Glen offers wide, open views and is less likely to have light pollution.

Access: A bit further out, but accessible by car, with options for short hikes to get to optimal viewing points.

Torr Head, County Antrim

Why? This rugged coastal area offers unobstructed views over the western horizon. The remote location also minimises light pollution.

Access: Accessible by car, though the roads can be narrow and winding.


More information here

More information on a lunar eclipse here