STARGAZERS hardy enough to brave the chilly weather tonight will be treated to three astronomical events - if the skies are clear enough to see them.

A lunar eclipse, snow moon and the New Year comet will be visible in the skies over the country tonight.

But forecasts for cloud mean only those in more western areas are likely to see the unusual celestial event.

So...what's a snow moon?

A full moon in February is named the snow moon because in the US February is traditionally the snowiest time of year, in the same way a harvest moon is so called because it is a full moon nearest the autumnal equinox.

The snow moon coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse, in which it is almost completely in shade as the Earth comes between the sun and the moon.

A what eclipse?

A penumbral eclipse occurs when the moon passes through a peripheral region of the Earth's shadow.

Usually this casts a faint shadow on the moon's surface, causing it to appear less bright.

But the eclipse tonight is unusual as most of the moon's face will cross the Earth's shadow, making it appear much darker.

When can I catch a glimpse?

The eclipse will begin at 10.34pm and end at 2.53am tomorrow morning, with the best time to view it at 12.54am.

And what about the comet?

The third event is the proximity of the New Year comet.

Visible around the world since December, on Friday it will make its closest approach to Earth since 2011, flying past a mere 7.4 million miles away.

The comet will be visible from midnight, but people will need binoculars or a telescope to see it. Those that miss its flashing brilliance will have to wait another five years until it reappears.

Sadly, the forecast for most of Essex this evening is for cloud but if you capture any pictures of tonight's astronomical activity, send us a message emma.hobley@nqe.com or add in your pictures below.