The longest 21st-century lunar eclipse visible around the world (photos)

L has the longest total eclipse of Moon of the 21st century began to blush our satellite Friday.

The eclipse, which corresponds to the moment when the Moon plunges into the shadow of the Earth, will be visible, partially or totally, in one half of the world (in big the eastern hemisphere). It can be observed from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia.

But it is East and South Africa, the Middle East and India that will be the better off to enjoy the show.

Normally Visible from Belgium
                    
                

Normally as early as 9.30 pm, Belgium should have taken advantage of the eclipse, but the clouds prevent us from taking full advantage of the phenomenon.

However, the entire cycle of the lunar eclipse will not be visible here. The Moon will rise in Belgium to the south-west around 9:30 pm and it will already be completely eclipsed. The star will have a reddish appearance and will be observable well until the end of the total eclipse planned at 23:13. The end of the cycle, that is to say the gradual exit of the star of the shadow (at 0:19) and the darkness of the Earth, will be visible until Saturday at 01:30.

A phenomenon that is not uncommon
                    
                

The total lunar eclipse will be difficult to contemplate, warns the Royal Observatory of Belgium. The country will be plunged into a dark night from 22h17 only, which will influence the phenomenon due to the light of the day still present before. In addition, an unobstructed view, a high altitude position and a little capricious weather are essential conditions for observation.

Moreover, the phenomenon is not uncommon, says the Observatory. A total eclipse of the Moon had already appeared in Belgium on September 28, 2015.

Four visible planets
                    
                

Four planets will also be visible in the Belgian sky. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, can be seen with a pair of binoculars as soon as the sun sets. By means of a telescope, amateur astronomers can also admire Saturn, Venus and Mars, which will be exceptionally aligned with the Sun and the Earth.