The Astronomical Society of Malta invites the public to watch this eclipse from Ghar id-Dud, Sliema in front of Preluna Hotel tonight of 4-5 May from 8pm onwards. Society members will set up telescopes for use by the public.

Partial eclipse, that is when the moon first enters the Earth’s shadow, occurs at 8 48pm and totality begins at 9 52pm. The moon at this stage turns to a copper red colour since the only light reaching it is that refracted by the earth’s atmosphere. The cleaner the atmosphere, the brighter the eclipsed moon appears. Totality lasts until 11 08pm when once again the moon will shines silvery white due to reflection from the sun.

Two comets are at present visiting the inner solar system. These comets – Linear and Neat – which were discovered by robotic telescopes are approaching the sun for the first time. These are small comets and probably will not be spectacular – although still visible to the naked eye around mid-May above the south-western horizon at dusk.

On 8 June the planet Venus, which at present dominates the western sky, will pass in front of the sun. This is a very rare phenomenon called a “transit”. The first Venus transit was observed in 1639 and the last one to occur was in 1882. During this time we can actually see the planet orbiting the sun. Accurate timings of transits enable us to measure the Sun to Earth distance and the size of the solar system can be calculated.

The Astronomical Society of Malta is dedicating the annual Astronomy Week, from 3 till 9 June, to cover this unique phenomenon

On the day of the transit there will be a public observation session where the event can be followed through telescopes equipped with special filters. During this week public lectures and evening observing sessions will be held. More information will be available from the society’s website.