This July will see one of the longest lunar eclipses in over a century.
The total phase of the “blood moon” eclipse will last 1 hour and 43 minutes and will occur on July 27th.
Can I see it ?
Those in the south of England will be able to see the total eclipse for the longest period of time, an estimated 1 hour and 23 minutes.
The reason for it lasting that long is because the moon was pass into the darkest region of the earths shadow when it is also furthest from the earth.
The longest ‘blood moon’ eclipse this century will coincide with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years to offer skygazers a thrilling astronomical double bill on Friday https://t.co/Lf79444SHF pic.twitter.com/Qab7z3IPat
— AFP news agency (@AFP) July 25, 2018
However, on Merseyside the total blood moon lunar eclipse will be visible for less time, 54 minutes, if skies are clear.
The total eclipse will start at 9:21pm lasting until 10:13pm on Merseyside.
The blood moon lunar eclipse will also take place when Mars passes to closer to earth than it has done for over 15 years.
As Mars will be closer than usual this will mean the red planet will be 10 times brighter than usual, making it a very good opportunity to spot it.
This will be the nearest to earth it has been since 2003, when it came to its closest distance to Earth in nearly 60,000 years.
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