THE last total eclipse of the moon before the year 2000 will plunge us into darkness next Tuesday.

Astronomers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCL) say the phenomenon will take place sometime between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Keith Robinson of the UCL said: "At present the moon has gone into the shadow of the earth and this has made it a dramatic coppery brown colour. The effect is striking because it is partially eclipsed by the earth.

Although the eclipse is plainly visible without using telescopes, the UCL's Moor park Observatory will be open to members of the public.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.