This is a preliminary notice of a total lunar eclipse, which occurs next weekend. A total lunar eclipse is when the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth.
This happens in several stages, the first being the penumbra. It starts at 0232 BST on May 16th. The eclipse of the penumbra means that although most of the sunlight is blocked, some rays can still reach the moon. Creates a subtle darkening effect that can easily go unnoticed.
More dramatic is the second stage, the dark eclipse. Then we can see the darkest part of the earth’s shadow passing through the lunar surface. It begins at 0327 BST and culminates with a total lunar eclipse at 0429 BST. In the phase of total eclipse, the moon seems to turn copper red. This is because the Earth’s atmosphere directs some of its sunlight toward it.
From the United Kingdom, the moon will set soon after, but the eclipse will continue until 0750 BST. Central and South America and the eastern regions of North America will be able to watch the whole show. It will not be visible from Australia.
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