December 20, 2010 is the Winter Solstice for the Western hemisphere // Dec. 21 early a.m. for U.K. --
It's the first time in almost 500 years that a lunar eclipse has coincided with the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year - on 21 December.
There is also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a selenelion, which occurs when the sun and the eclipsed moon can be seen at the same time.
This is also known as a horizontal eclipse, because both sun and moon appear above the horizon at nearly opposite points in the sky.
The full moon will begin to pass through Earth's shadow at 0632 GMT on Tuesday, and will become a total eclipse at 0740 GMT. Observers will see a much darker moon than usual, while the sky will turn a deep red colour.
The eclipse should reach its maximum at 8.17 GMT, and end at 8.53 GMT.
The last time a selenelion occurred, the Tudors were in power in England.
Terry Moseley from the Irish Astronomical Association, said the next full lunar eclipse which would be visible from Ireland would not be until 2015.
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