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Lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the blood moon

Blood moon
The longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century is set to take place tonight [Photo: Getty]

Tonight, stargazers will be treated to one of the world’s rarest celestial events. The lunar eclipse is expected to take place this evening and will bring the longest blood moon of the 21st century with it.

And those of you left scratching your heads in a desperate bid to remember GCSE Physics, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s phenomenon.

From the best places to Instagram the natural wonder to the spiritual beliefs shrouding it, consider this your go-to cheat sheet on all things lunar eclipse.

What is the blood moon?

For those of you who haven’t heard of the phenomenon, the blood moon occurs during a lunar eclipse but this isn’t to be confused with the solar eclipse.

Instead, when the moon passes between the earth and sun, it does not cast a dark shadow over the moon – it glows an eerie crimson hue instead.

The moon’s rust-tinged light is created due to rays passing through the earth’s atmosphere which in turn, splatters blue light and creates the now-famous glow.

The waxing gibbous moon over Whitley Bay ahead of tonight’s lunar eclipse [Photo: PA]
The waxing gibbous moon over Whitley Bay ahead of tonight’s lunar eclipse [Photo: PA]

But this isn’t the only exciting event set to take place tonight, as Mars will also be visible to the naked eye.

The planet is estimated to reach its closest point to the earth on Monday 30 July, as it will sit just 57.6 million km away.

Is the blood moon a rare occurrence?

In comparison to solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are less common with no more than three occurring per annum.

This year’s celestial phenomenon will be the longest of the 21st century, as it’s expected to last one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds to be precise. According to NASA, the moon will spend a total of 3 hours and 54 minutes in the earth’s umbral shadow.

Tonight’s spectacle has inspired astrology fans to track its every movement, as the event is only the 17th lunar eclipse of the century.

FYI, the next lunar eclipse of a similar length isn’t forecast until 2123 so make sure to keep a lookout!

When can I expect to see the blood moon?

For those based in London, the partial eclipse will kick-start at 8.49pm with the total eclipse estimated to occur from 9.20pm. Over in Glasgow, the moonrise will take place from 9.26pm.

According to the Royal Astronomical Society, the entire lunar eclipse will end by 10.13pm – so make sure to hurry!

But you may need to find a spot clear from clouds. According to Dark Sky Discovery, the UK is luckily home to some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe and a list of go-to spots for stargazing can be found over on the website. London residents may also be pleased to learn that an observation event held at Blackheath will be open to the public this evening in celebration of the lunar eclipse.

But be warned, as thunderstorms are predicted across the nation this evening so moon-watching may prove tricky unless prepared.

The natural phenomenon can also be witnessed across Eastern Europe, Central and East Africa and South East Asia. Sadly, those in North America will miss out.

A blue moon rises over the London skyline in January 2018 [Photo: PA]
A blue moon rises over the London skyline in January 2018 [Photo: PA]

Ancient myths and beliefs about the blood moon

As a consequence to the rust-tinged skyline brought about by the blood moon, myths and superstitions have long shrouded the astrological phenomenon.

Ancient Inca Empire believed that a jaguar attacked and ate the moon and feared that it may then turn its attention to earth. In response, they would drive their dogs to bark and howl at the moon in a bid to frighten the jaguar away.

Similarly, in ancient Mesopotamia – a region in Western Asia – the lunar eclipse was also interpreted as an evil act. Due to their ability to predict the lunar eclipse, their King would go into hiding during the celestial occurrence while a replacement monarch would stand in his place. When the eclipse was over, he would reemerge to ‘safety’.

But not all of the history books suggest the blood moon is a cursed fate, as the Luiseño tribes from California reportedly believed that the moon was wounded during the lunar eclipse.

After the event, tribesmen would sing and chant healing songs towards the eerie glow in a bid to help the moon recover.

Whereas the Batammaliba people in Togo and Benin in Africa believe that the lunar eclipse is a conflict between the sun and moon.

For them, the blood moon represents a time to put old feuds to rest and so they encourage others to resolve their differences. It’s a belief that is still practiced and one we could all take lessons from this evening…


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