Astronomy enthusiast should keep their eyes on the sky today and tomorrow so as not to miss the passing New Year Comet, the numbral lunar eclipse and the Snow Moon.
The New Year Comet
The comet can be seen from Earth once every five and a quarter years after following the same path around the sun.
Its official name is Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková, after the astronomers who discovered it in 1948. It has been nicknamed the New Year Comet only recently, as it entered the northern hemisphere at the end of last year and was spotted on New Year’s Eve.
The timing for it is not exact, but it is expected to be easiest to see tomorrow (Feb 11).
The penumbral lunar eclipse
This celestial event is when the Earth, Sun and Moon align, causing the earth to block sunlight and cause a shadow on the mood, known as the penumbra.
It is set to begin at 10:34pm GMT tonight (Feb 10), finishing at 02:53am tomorrow morning. It is said to be a tad trickier to spot than a partial total eclipse. If you’re struggling then wait for peak visibility as 00.43.
Snow Moon
February’s full moon is called this because it is usually the month of the heaviest snowfall. The moon will rise at 4.44pm GMT today and set tomorrow morning at 7.30am.
With snow showers forecast for tonight let’s hope these astronomical occurrences aren’t hidden from sight.
If you take any photos this weekend please share them with us, email mattie.laceydavidson@london..newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel