Partial lunar eclipse may be seen from Rutland, Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings areas tonight (July 16)

Look out for a red moon tonight - a partial lunar eclipse could be visible from Rutland, Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings and particularly from countryside areas where light pollution is low.

The eclipse coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch, which took the first men to the moon.

The lunar eclipse should be most visible at around 10.30pm.

What is a partial lunar eclipse and why does it happen?

A lunar eclipse is when the sun, earth and a full moon are almost exactly in line, with the earth in the middle, casting a shadow on the moon's surface.

The moon dims dramatically but usually remains visible.

During a partial eclipse, some - but not all - of the moon passes through the darkest area of the Earth's shadow.

The surface often appears red because the earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon and so the only light reflected off the surface has been refracted by the earth's atmosphere.

Like a sunset or sunrise, this scattering of blue light gives the moon a red appearance.

So, the moon may be rusty red tonight, or a less exciting dark grey - depending on conditions.

The moon travels to a similar position every month at full moon, but the tilt of the lunar orbit means it normally passes above or below the terrestrial shadow and no eclipse takes place.

When will it happen?

If skies are clear, the eclipse will be seen from moon rise - between 9pm and 10pm.

Mid-eclipse is at 10.30pm, when about 60 per cent of the visible surface of the moon will appear red or dark grey.

The eclipse should end just after 1am tomorrow morning, when the moon leaves the earth's shadow.

How do I see it?

Anyone looking to get a good view of the moon tonight should find a "low unobstructed horizon" without tall buildings and trees, The Royal Astronomical Society advises.

Unlike a solar eclipse, it's entirely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

You don't need any special equipment to see it.

When did we last see a lunar eclipse?

The last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK was in January. It was known as a super blood wolf moon.

The next partial lunar eclipse will not be until November 2021.

If you manage to get any photos of tonight's lunar eclipse, send them to smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk