Island stargazers are in for a spectacular celestial sight next month.

Jonathan Starling, of the Bermuda Astronomical Society, said that residents would be able to watch a total lunar eclipse in the early hours of January 21.

A lunar eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly behind Earth and into its shadow and creates what is known as a “blood moon”.

Mr Starling explained: “It’s called a blood moon because the sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere and hitting the moon makes it appear red.”

Total lunar eclipses last for a few hours, unlike a total solar eclipse, which last only for a few minutes because of the smaller size of the moon’s shadow.

Lunar eclipses are also safe to view without eye protection, unlike the solar equivalent.

Mr Starling said that remote locations around the island would be the best place to view the eclipse.

He added: “Ideally, I’d go for somewhere without a lot of artificial lights so your eyes can adjust and you can appreciate the beauty of it all.”

Mr Starling said that he was considering setting up a viewing event for the eclipse.

He added that he planned to put the astronomical society on a more organised footing next year and that anyone interested in the stars should visit the group’s Facebook page.