The longest total lunar eclipse of the century is coming this month to turn the moon red

We’ve seen some pretty cool lunar events already this year, with two supermoons, a blue moon and one total eclipse back in January. Now we’re set for another total lunar eclipse in two weeks. With an expected duration of 1 hour 42 minutes and 57 seconds, NASA says it will be the longest lunar eclipse this century. It’s on July 27th, 2018 and will, in fact, be the longest lunar eclipse until 2123.

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth sits in perfect alignment between the sun and the moon. The moon goes dark due to the shadow being cast on it by the Earth’s interference. Light, of course, bends around our atmosphere, resulting in the moon presenting the reddish-orange colour we refer to as a “blood moon”.

Unfortunately, it won’t be visible at all if you’re in the USA, and even where I am in Scotland, I probably won’t see it. The sky will either be too bright or covered in cloud. But there’s one coming in January that will be visible from Europe and the Americas. Looks like I’ll have to get up early for that one.

But if you want to check where and when you might be able to see it, head on over to the NASA website and check out the Lunar Eclipse Explorer.

[via CNet]