STAR gazers in East Lancashire could have one of the best views in the country when a total lunar eclipse turns the moon blood red tonight.

Weather forecasters predict clear skies above northern Britain, giving a clear view of what is hoped will be one of the brightest and most colourful lunar eclipses in a decade. Cloud is forecast in the south and Midlands.

The eclipse is set to last a total of three hours, starting at around 6.40pm as the Earth's shadow slides across the moon's surface. Light reflected from the moon's surface will be blotted out completely for an hour from 7.50pm and the event will be over by 10pm.

The moon will turn from white to a deep red, copper orange or dark brown as the sun's rays are filtered through the Earth's atmosphere. The exact colour will depend on how much dust is in the atmosphere. Experts said people would get a good view of the eclipse with the naked eye.

The Planet Earth Centre, Bacup Road, Todmorden, is opening between 6.30pm and 9.30pm to allow people to get a closer view through a telescope.

David Chadwick, of Great Harwood, a member of the former East Lancashire branch of the Astronomical Society, said: "If the sky is clear everyone should be able to see it, unlike the total eclipse of the sun which was only seen fully in certain parts of the world.

"The forecast is for clear skies so let's hope it works out that way."

The last total lunar eclipse was 12 months ago when the moon turned red, but the view was obscured by cloud in most parts of the country.