Longest Total Lunar Eclipse of This Century to Occur in July: Know When And Where to Watch
In addition to the eclipse, the moon will also turn red reflecting the sun's rays.
The longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century is going to occur on July 27. The moon will be cast within Earth's shadow for one hour and 43 minutes. In addition to the eclipse, the moon will also turn red reflecting the sun's rays, a sight to watch! The reason for the long duration of the eclipse is because the Moon will pass almost through the centre of the Earth's shadow, known as the umbra.
However, not everyone will be able to see the rare occurrence as it will be majorly visible in parts of Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia, and some parts of Europe, according to IFL Science. The positioning of the Earth and the Moon will also play a major role. The Earth will be at it's furthest possible point from the Sun casting a bigger shadow and the Moon will be at its furthest point away from the Earth making the eclipse longer.
In the 20th century, during four total lunar eclipses, the moon was completely eclipsed. The last century witnessed the longest eclipse on July 16, 2000. It had lasted one hour and forty-seven minutes, Space.com reported. It include a lunar eclipse on June 15, 2011, which lasted 100 minutes, another one July 16, 2000, lasted 107 minutes. In July 1982, an eclipse lasted 107 minutes and one in July 1935 that lasted 101 minutes. As all these celestial events happened in 2000, the one in July will be the longest one to be witnessed in the 21st century.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2018 12:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).