In recent years, the sky has afforded us some pretty amazing spectacles. The more attentive of you will have enjoyed a series of spectacular moon and sun eclipses, as well as a blood moon or two.
Well, in July 2018 (this month!), you’re in for another show.
On July 27, the next lunar eclipse is scheduled to commence. This means the moon will pass through the earth’s shadow. At that point, it will assume a reddish hue, which is why many refer to it as a blood moon.
Longest lunar eclipse of the century
As per Business Insider, this particular eclipse will last so long due to the fact that the moon will pass directly into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. The region is known as the umbra, and will result in the moon taking on the fabled reddish sheen.
In total, the event could last 1 hour and 43 minutes – the longest total eclipse of the last century (1901 to 2,000) occurred on July 16, 2000, and lasted for 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Things to keep in mind
The phenomenon will only be visible to those in the Eastern Hemisphere, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
And, as if the blood moon alone isn’t enough, those budding astronomers among you have even more to get excited about.
On the same day, Mars is also expected to be visible to the naked eye. Just a few days after the 27th, on July 31, Mars will be “just” 35.8 million miles away from Earth – the closest it’s been for 15 years!
Are you going to keep your eyes to the sky on July 27? Perhaps you have some friends who would also be interested?
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