Next weekend there will be a total lunar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes through the shadow of the Earth.
The first stage is the penumbral phase. On 16 May, this begins. The penumbral eclipse means that some rays can still reach the moon even though most of the sun's light is blocked. It creates a subtle darkening effect that can be missed.
The second stage is the umbral eclipse. The dark part of the Earth's shadow can be seen on the lunar surface. The moon becomes fully eclipsed at 0429 BST. The moon turns red during the full eclipse phase. The Earth's atmosphere bends the sun's light towards it.
The moon will set in the UK after this, but the eclipse will last until 0750 BST. The eastern regions of North America will be able to watch the entire spectacle. It won't be visible from Australia.
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