Europe’s first Blood Moon eclipse since 2015 to be longest of the century
The moon will turn dark red on Friday night as the longest lunar eclipse of the century becomes visible over Europe.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s innermost shadow. When this happens, the moon turns rusty orange or deep red in color and is how it earned the nickname of a blood moon eclipse.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no specially equipment is needed to view a lunar eclipse, although weather conditions need to allow for a clear view of the night sky.
Thunderstorms will be the biggest hindrance to viewing across Europe on Friday night as two separate storms impact parts of northwestern and eastern Europe.
While rain and lightning will certainly deter viewing, thick clouds may linger after thunderstorms depart, further limiting viewing of the eclipse.
The best viewing weather is expected from Portugal and Spain into far eastern France, western Italy, Germany and the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Viewing will be limited by clouds across the British Isles, northwestern France, and areas from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia to Belarus and into neighboring parts of Russia.
The partial stage of the lunar eclipse will begin before the moon rises over Europe on Friday evening, but people across Europe will still get to see the main event as the total eclipse will not start until the moon is above the horizon in all of Europe.
The total lunar eclipse will begin at 19:30 UT and will last for 1 hour and 43 minutes. This means the eclipse will begin at 20:30 BST and WEST, 21:30 CEST and 22:30 EEST
This is when onlookers will witness the moon turn rusty orange or dark red in color.
Friday night’s eclipse will be the longest total lunar eclipse until the eclipse on June 9, 2123, which will last a few minutes longer.
This animation shows how the Moon will pass through the Earth's shadow during the total lunar eclipse on July 27.
Although no telescope is needed for Friday night’s eclipse, people heading outside to look at the moon should take a few minutes to look at Mars.
Mars will be shining incredibly bright just below the moon as the eclipse falls just after the Red Planet reaches opposition.
People looking at Mars through the eyepiece of a telescope may be able to see some of the features on the planet’s surface, including ice caps at the poles.
Those spending time under the night sky should also keep an eye out for a few shooting stars as the Delta Aquarids meteor shower nears its peak.
The best time to look for meteors may be during the height of the lunar eclipse as there will be less natural light pollution from the moon that would otherwise make it too difficult to see some of the dimmer meteors.
People that miss Friday night’s lunar eclipse can mark their calendars for the next Blood Moon, which will take place on Jan 21, 2019.
This eclipse will also be visible across Europe, as well as North America, South America and most of Africa.
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