Stargazers are eagerly looking forward to the first total lunar eclipse for several years on Friday - but there are doubts over what weather conditions will be like.
On the evening of July 27, people in Suffolk and Essex will be able to see the eclipse if skies stay clear, as well as catching a glimpse of the planet Mars and the international space station.
However, experts at Weatherquest have warned there is a risk of showers or even thunderstorms later in the week, which could possibly arrive on Friday. There is also a possibility of some cloud.
Forecaster Dan Holley said, “It’s difficult to say at this stage, but we may get a few showers or thunderstorms moving through the area towards the end of the week, although many places will be dry.”
He advised people to keep an eye on forecasts, as these may change during the week. Mr Holley said people would get the best view if they went somewhere with a good view of the south-east horizon.
David Murton, spokesman for Darsham Astronomical Society (DASH Astro), said they were keeping an eye on the forecasts. Advising people on where to watch, he said, ”Anywhere on the coast is good, where you look out to sea, because you need to see the easterly horizon. The higher you can get, the better.”
DASH Astro members will be meeting at Dunwich Cliffs National Trust site by the Coastguard cottages, and anyone who is interested is invited to go along and join them. The moon will be eclipsed from around 8.50pm onwards but stargazers are asked to get there by 8.30pm to avoid missing anything.
“We have an ideal spot up there, and are just hoping for clear skies,” Mr Murton said. He added cliffs at Felixstowe and spots on the coast at Walton on the Naze and Clacton would also be good places to see the eclipse.
Mr Murton said you will be able to see more clearly with binoculars, and there are phone apps you can download for more information on what to look out for.
For more details on timings and what to see when, see our report on everything you need to know about the lunar eclipse.
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