According to Space.com On upcoming Friday i.e., 27th July, Red Blood Moon will be the Longest Lunar Eclipse of the Century.
Brace yourself, the longest lunar eclipse of the century is going to be a breathtaking sight for people across the world. Yes, for India too! Friday night and Saturday morning, as the moon is totally eclipsed by the earth for 1-hour & 43 minutes. Throughout this time, people around the world will be able to see “blood moon”, as the Earth’s satellite turns red.
Blood Moon! What is a Blood moon?
A name given to the moon during a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens only when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, throwing the moon into Umbra.
Unfamiliar with a solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, obstructing the sun’s light, the moon is not “turned dark” during an eclipse, but instead appears to turn red.
How rarefied is it?
Each lunar eclipse is visible from more than half the Earth is itself the rarest thing to happen, less common than solar eclipses, with a maximum of three occurring in any given location per year, though some years there can be none.
If this eclipse is rare, it is because it will last for too long. Moon will be in the Earth’s umbra for 4-hours & totally eclipsed for 1-hour & 43 minutes, which is just short of the ideal limit of a lunar eclipse (one hour and 47 minutes). The eclipse will last for so long on Friday night because the moon will be passing through the centre of the Earth’s umbra (shadow).
Where and when can I see it?
The best view of lunar eclipse will be from the Middle East, East Africa, across to India & the westernmost tip of China. But there still be moderate views for people in the rest of Africa, Europe, other parts of Asia, Australia & the eastern tip of South America.
In India: the total eclipse will begin at 1 am IST, finishing at 2:43 am.
Here are the tips for watching the Blood Moon:
“The best place to see it is out in our country away from lights.”
“If you’re living in [a city] then there’s a lot of light pollution from the night sky, so the contrast between the moon and the sky won’t be as great.”