Total lunar eclipse tonight

Tonight the moon will pass through the earth's shadow as it orbits our planet and a total lunar eclipse will take place, according to Sammy Grech, public relations officer of the Astronomical Society of Malta.

Mr Grech explained that the partial phase, when the moon first enters the earth's shadow, will occur at 3.14 a.m. and totality will take place at 4.23 a.m. until 5.45 a.m. when the moon is completely covered by the earth' shadow.

During totality, the moon will appear copper red, the brightness of which depends on the clarity of the atmosphere as during this time the light reaching the lunar surface is refracted through the atmosphere, Mr Grech explained. The less polluted the atmosphere the brighter the moon will appear.

Members of the Astronomical Society will be observing this event from Ta' Qali near the parking area past the entrance to the national park. The public is invited to attend.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Astronomical Society. A conference about astronomy in Malta will be held at the Waterfront Hotel, The Strand, Gzira on November 27 at 9 a.m.

www.maltastro.org