Lunar eclipse 2019 UK: Everything you need to know as partial eclipse falls on Apollo 11 50th anniversary

A partial lunar eclipse is set to be visible from the UK on Tuesday, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 launching its mission to the Moon.

At about 10.30pm, when the eclipse reaches its height, 60 per cent of the Moon should appear red in colour.

The Apollo 11 mission blasted off from Florida on July 16, 1969 and saw the first humans touch down on the lunar surface.

Four days later, US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the Moon.

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth crosses between the Sun and Moon, causing a shadow to be cast on the lunar surface.

The Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth and dims dramatically but usually remains visible, lit by sunlight that passes through the Earth's atmosphere.

When will it be visible in the UK?

If clear weather and conditions hold up, stargazers will be able to see the eclipse in the UK from moon rise, which starts at about 9.07pm BST, until around 1.17am.

According to the Royal Astronomical Society, mid-eclipse is expected to take place at 10.30pm, when about 60 per cent of the visible surface of the Moon will be covered by the umbra.

The Moon should appear red in colour to people observing from the ground due to a more powerful atmospheric scattering of blue light hitting the surface.

"You're looking for anywhere that has a low unobstructed horizon, no tall buildings and trees in the way," said Dr Morgan Hollis from the Royal Astronomical Society.

"Unlike a solar eclipse it's entirely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, so this one is fine, you don't need any special equipment and it should be fairly warm as well, given temperatures recently, it should be good if the weather is clear and the conditions are clear."

Where else will it be visible?

The event will also take place over much of Asia, Africa, eastern parts of South America, and the western parts of Australia.