Stargazers across Northern Ireland and the Western UK will have a chance to witness a partial lunar eclipse on Friday morning. This occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. While the eclipse will not be total, around 93% of the Moon's diameter will be in the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra, making it appear nearly fully eclipsed. The event will be most visible in the early hours, with the Moon appearing low in the western sky, which can make it seem larger due to an optical illusion known as the "Moon Illusion." The eclipse will begin at 02:23 BST, when the Moon enters the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra. The more noticeable phase starts at 03:33 BST, as the Moon moves into the darker umbra. The peak of the eclipse, when about 90% of the Moon is in shadow, will occur at 05:12 BST. In Belfast, the Moon will be low in the western sky, around nine degrees above the horizon, and the eclipse will end at 06:34 BST. In Dublin, it will be slightly higher and last until 06:38 BST. Further west, the Moon may be visible for a few more minutes before it sets. During the eclipse, the Moon may take on a reddish hue, often called a "Blood Moon." This happens because some sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon. Terry Moseley from the Irish Astronomical Association explained that this effect can make the Moon appear anywhere from orange to a deep red. While the color can vary, the spectacle is often described as magical and visually striking. For the best viewing experience, observers are advised to find high ground with an unobstructed view of the western sky. Recommended locations include Troopers Hill in Bristol, Lansdown Hill in Bath, and Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. However, weather conditions may limit visibility. The Met Office has warned of increasing cloud cover and rain, which could obscure the view. Although there may be brief windows of clear skies in the southwest before midnight, most areas are expected to have cloudy conditions through the night. Despite the challenges, astronomers suggest setting an alarm for around 3am and checking the weather for any chance of a clear view.