Shetland (may be) the best place to see lunar eclipse on Saturday

If, and it’s always a big if at this time of year, the weather is clear, Shetland on Saturday afternoon will be the best place to see a spectacular lunar eclipse.

At that time the sun, earth and moon will fall almost exactly in line for a few minutes, producing a celestial spectacle of brilliant red.

Skywatchers in other UK locations may see a partial lunar eclipse, providing their views are not obscured by cloud.

The phenomenon will be most dramatic in East Asia, Australasia and the western Pacific.

Dr Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), said: “Theoretically the best place in the UK to see the eclipse is in the Shetland Islands but that depends on whether they have good weather and a clear horizon, which can be another stumbling block.

“It will then be just possible to see it, but that is about as good as it gets.”

The total eclipse is due to begin at 2.06pm and end at 2.58pm.

Folk in Lerwick are expected to see moonrise at 2.54pm, so may just be able to glimpse the red satellite very low on the horizon.