A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Northern Ireland during the early hours of Friday morning. At its peak, about 93 percent of the Moon's diameter will be covered by Earth's shadow, making the event appear close to a total eclipse.

The eclipse begins at 02:23 BST when the Moon enters the penumbra, the lighter outer part of Earth's shadow. The more noticeable partial phase starts at 03:33 BST as the darker central shadow, the umbra, moves across the lunar surface. Maximum eclipse occurs at 05:12 BST.

In Belfast, the Moon will be low in the western sky at about nine degrees above the horizon. The eclipse ends at 06:34 BST. Further west, in Enniskillen, moonset occurs at 06:41 BST, offering slightly longer viewing before the Moon disappears.

A clear view towards the western horizon is essential, as buildings, hills, or trees may obstruct the low Moon. No protective eyewear is required; the event is safe to observe directly. Binoculars or telescopes are not necessary but could help show the changing colours on the lunar surface.

Terry Moseley of the Irish Astronomical Association explained that the Moon will take on a reddish hue during the eclipse. Sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths, while more of the longer red light reaches the Moon. The resulting colour can range from orange to deep red, with the area near the centre of the eclipse being the most dramatic.

The current weather forecast suggests that western areas of Northern Ireland are more likely to have clear skies, while central and eastern parts may face cloudier conditions.