Prepare for a stargazing experience this weekend… provided there’s no clouds

A lunar eclipse, snow moon and the New Year comet will appear in the sky all over the UK to give a spectacular three-in-one stargazing experience – provided it’s clear enough.

Forecasts for clouds all over the country, however, mean that only those in the South West, Wales and western areas will be lucky enough to see this.

The February full moon is traditionally called the snow moon, because in the US this is usually the snowiest time of year. In the same way a harvest moon is one that is the closest to the autumnal equinox.

The snow moon coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse – a celestial event, in which the Earth comes between the sun and the moon.

Usually that means that there will be a shadow over the moon, making it look less bright. But this time the moon will be almost entirely be in Earth’s shadow.

The eclipse will start at 10.34pm Friday and 2.53am on Saturday, with the best time to see it being 12.54am.

The last event to happen is the approach of the New Year comet. Though it’s been visible since December, on Friday night it will come as close as 7.4 million miles away from Earth, which is the closest since 2011.

People will be able to see the comet from midnight, but will need binoculars or a telescope to do so. Those that miss it will have to wait another five years.

Here’s to hoping that the cloud cover lifts just on time.