Make sure you take a moment this Friday, July 27th to look up at the sky toward the longest lunar eclipse of this century. The longest blood moon of this century combines with Mars in opposition to create a truly spectacular sight.
During a lunar eclipse, the sun’s light is refracted which scatters light and makes the moon appear red, whereas usually the earth entirely blocks sunlight reaching the moon.
Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society, said ‘It is a beautiful sight and one that reminds us we have souls; to take a moment to look at the sky.’
The ‘blood moon’ received its name because of its reddish appearance. The moon is due to rise at 8.50pm in Greenwich, meaning that astronomers in Britain will miss the start of the eclipse.
The total eclipse will last about one hour and 43 minutes. This time is longer than normal, which is partly because the moon will be at its farthest from the Earth. Its orbit is a little slower than usual because the larger distance makes the gravitational pull weaker. The moon therefore stays in the Earth’s shadow for longer. It will look smaller than usual because it is so far away.
Both astronomers and amateur stargazers will be viewing the alignment of the moon and mars. Unlike with solar eclipses, you need no special equipment to observe lunar eclipses. These latter events, which occur when the moon passes into Earth’s shadow, are safe to view directly with the naked eye, telescopes or binoculars.
Chris Lintott, of the University of Oxford, said: “Lunar eclipses are beautiful and everyone can enjoy them. Go outside on Friday, look to the horizon, and watch the eclipsed moon rise — it couldn’t be simpler.”
People have taken to Twitter to discuss the metaphysical associations of this lunar eclipse, with one Twitter user commenting ‘The July 27th full moon will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. Pay attention to the themes and cycles that are occurring in your life right now, they are about to change.’
Feature Image Credit: Nasa
