‘Blood moon’ lunar eclipse to grace pre-dawn sky in the UK
Early-rising UK stargazers are in for a celestial treat later this week as a partial lunar eclipse takes place just before dawn on Friday.
Earth will cast its shadow over the Moon. Unlike in other parts of the world, the eclipse in the UK will only be partial but still a dramatic spectacle, weather permitting.
As the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow, it will gradually darken before turning a dusky red, resulting in a stunning “blood moon”.
The last total lunar eclipse in the UK occurred in 2022.
When is the lunar eclipse?
The penumbral phase (when the Moon first enters Earth’s outer shadow) will begin at 03:57 on Friday.
The partial eclipse – when the Moon starts moving into the darker part of Earth’s shadow – will begin at 05:09.
Lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon at the time.
At 06:58 the eclipse will reach its true maximum; however, in the UK, the Moon will have already set below the horizon, so we won’t be able to see this.
Scientists discover new part of the immune system
A new part of the immune system has been discovered and it is a goldmine of potential antibiotics, scientists have said.
They’ve shown a part of the body known to recycle proteins has a secret mode that can spew out an arsenal of bacteria-killing chemicals.
The researchers in Israel say it transforms our understanding of how we are protected against infection.
And gives a new place to look for antibiotics to tackle the growing problem of superbugs that resist our current drugs.
MORE ABOUT SCIENCE
Farmers’ anger as council fails to back campaign
47 minutes ago. Farmers in Herefordshire react with anger after county leaders failed to back their campaign against changes to inheritance tax on farms.
Read more
The sons of women who smoke while pregnant experience more long-lasting side effects than their daughters
Researchers found that men born to women who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to die younger, particularly if they smoke themselves.
Read more
A wildlife trust is running a project to make a city the pollinator capital of the country
Avon Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society are working to create a 43-mile “bee-line” for pollinator pathways across Bristol and Bath.
Read more
Environmental organisations assess the damage of a North Sea oil tanker collision
The collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea could affect marine species and nearby wildlife populations. The impact is still unclear.
Read more
Claudio Verequete talks about the destruction of açaí trees for road construction
Claudio Verequete, whose family used to harvest açaí berries, expresses frustration after his income is lost due to the clearing of land for road construction.
Read more
The government is set to decide on a new recycling plant for sustainable aviation fuel
The £100m plant planned for Theale Quarry near Reading will use pyrolysis to recycle waste into sustainable aviation fuel, with no burning or emissions.
Read more
Shorter winter leaves clothing business in Ludhiana in trouble
The clothing business of Nitin Goel in Ludhiana faces challenges due to a shorter winter season, forcing them to shift production from sweaters to t-shirts.
Read more