STARGAZERS are expected to flock to Wroughton next month to watch a total lunar eclipse.

On Tuesday, May 4, astrono-mers around the world will be treated to one of nature's most spectacular events.

And the Science Museum at Wroughton sited on a disused former World War Two airfield could be the ideal place to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, away from streetlights.

Museum officials plan to open the museum and make a night of the event.

Visitors will be treated to a roast dinner and there will even be an inflatable planetarium for youngsters.

Space experts will be at the event, handing out helpful tips to spotters and delivering presentations.

Matt Moore, project officer at the museum, predicts a fun night for all assuming the weather holds out. "If it's not cloudy we should be able to see every detail," he said. "Over a couple of hours the moon will go through all the stages it'll be a great sight.

"We are lucky in that we will have leading experts in this field coming including Dr Steve Bell from HM Nautical Almanac Office in Greenwich, which predicts tide times and weather patterns."

A selection of telescopes will also be available to peer through.

A lunar eclipse can only occur during a full moon.

Although we rarely see it, Earth has a shadow, which stretches to the moon.

On May 4, the moon will glide through that shadow.

Astronomer Phillip Perkins from Ramsbury hopes to photograph the eclipse from a secret location.

He said: "The best ones are when the moon is low on the horizon they can be quite spectacular. May 4 is supposed to be one of those so I am quite excited. I just hope the conditions are right."

The eclipse is tipped to start at around 6.45pm, peaking between 7.45pm and 8.30pm.

Tickets for the Wroughton event, called Fly Me To The Moon, cost £10 on the night for adults with £7.50 concessions. Reductions are available if purchased in advance by calling Wroughton Science Museum on 01793 846200.

Kevin Shoesmith