This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-16125044

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Clear skies hope for Shetland view of lunar eclipse Shetland skywatchers consoled by partial lunar eclipse
(about 4 hours later)
Skywatchers in Shetland may have a chance of observing a total lunar eclipse due to take place on Saturday. Cloudy skies disappointed skywatchers in Shetland who had hoped to observe a total lunar eclipse.
A four-minute opportunity to view the eclipse will occur from about 14:54 when the moon rises in Lerwick. But the skies later cleared, rewarding observers with a view of a less rare partial eclipse.
But forecasters have warned there is only a 60% chance of the skies being clear of cloud at the crucial moment. A total eclipse means the moon is lit indirectly because of the earth's shadow, giving it a dramatic red appearance.
The eclipse, which will see the moon appear orange, will be most dramatic in Asia, Australasia and North America. Spectacular views of the phenomenon occurred across Asia and Australasia.
A total eclipse occurs when the sun, earth and moon fall almost directly in line.
Astronomers said it would potentially be visible in the most northern part of the UK.
People living elsewhere may be able to observe a partial eclipse.
Dr Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: "Theoretically the best place in the UK to see the eclipse is in the Shetland islands
"But that depends on whether they have good weather and a clear horizon which can be another stumbling block.
"It will then be just possible to see it, but that is about as good as it gets.
"It will literally just be for one or two minutes but even that is a bit uncertain because it all depends on the time the moon rises, which is in itself a bit unpredictable.
"But eclipses are spectacular and it is certainly worth a bit of time to go and look at it."
BBC Scotland forecaster Judith Ralston said there was a "reasonable chance of catching a glimpse" of the eclipse.
She said: "There will be some showers, however there will be clearer skies in between.
"I would say there is a 60% chance that people will be able to see something interesting."