Tonight the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow as it orbits our planet and a total lunar eclipse takes place.

During the evening, a full moon bathes the sky with a silvery white light washing out all but the brightest stars, but as night progresses the moon passes directly behind Earth and the sun’s rays are blocked off.

Partial phase, when the moon first enters the Earth’s shadow, will occur at 3.14am and totality at 4.23am until 5.45am when the moon is completely covered by the Earth’ shadow.

During totality the moon appears copper red, the brightness of which depends on the clarity of our atmosphere, as during this time the light reaching the lunar surface is bent (refracted) through our atmosphere. Hence the less polluted the atmosphere, the brighter the moon appears.

Members of the Astronomical Society of Malta 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 year since The Astronomical Society of Malta was formed.

A conference on astronomy in Malta is being held today at the Waterfront Hotel, Gzira. Various speakers will be explaining the involvement of astronomers in Malta.