Pictures capture stunning partial lunar eclipse in Newark
Pictures captured in Newark last night reveal the stunning partial lunar eclipse visible across the whole UK.
The eclipse coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch which took the first men to the moon.
The incredible lunar images were shot by a Balderton man who has been practising astronomy for the past 18 months.
Ashley Irons, Balderton, took the pictures with an 8" Sky Watcher Telescope, a 32mm plossl lens and Samsung Galaxy camera.
The astronomer did not think he would be able to capture the partial lunar eclipse because of the amount of cloud, but managed to take its photograph between 11.25pm and 11.35pm.
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.
If you've got any pictures from last night, please share them with us: news@newarkadvertiser.co.uk
Read more:
Top tips for sleeping in the heat this weekend
Protesters stage rally outside Castle House as councillors declare Climate Emergency
Vandalism threatens long-established store's future
