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On Friday night, a particularly rare spectacle takes place in the sky: the longest total lunar eclipse of the century is approaching. Also in Berlin, the so-called "blood moon" will be visible. But not only the moon plays an important role in this evening. In addition, the planet Mars will be particularly well presented.
Monika Staetsche, Director of the Planetarium of the Island, answers key questions about the upcoming event
What is a lunar total eclipse?
In a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is in the shadow of the Earth. This event can only take place on a full moon when the sun, the earth and the moon are aligned from the outside. However, when the moon is in the shadow of the earth, it does not darken completely, but becomes slightly red. This happens because the sunlight shines through the Earth's atmosphere on the moon. The red parts of the sunlight are better revealed. Whether the moon shines bright red or a dark red depends on how the atmosphere of the earth is dusty. The darker the red, the more dust particles in the air
How often does a lunar total eclipse occur?
Theoretically, between two and four times a year. However, since you must be on the right side of the earth, it usually takes two and a half years to see a total lunar eclipse in one place. For example, the eclipse of 31 January 2018 was invisible in Europe but visible in the United States. This will be the reverse on July 27, 2018. The last highly visible Total Eclipse was to be observed on the night of September 27 to 28, 2015 in Berlin
What is special about in the lunar eclipse this year?
With 103 minutes, it will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. In addition, Mars is unusually close to the moon and the earth this year. So he too on Friday night will be relatively big and bright in the sky.
Where do you best see the total lunar eclipse of Friday night?
If possible, in a place that has an unobstructed view of the horizon to the southwest. A lunar eclipse in summer always means that the moon runs on a flat arc from south-east to south-west. Especially in the city, houses or trees can be an obstacle. It is better to look for a higher point.
However, a particular circumstance complicates the sighting, however: the moon will rise in Berlin on Friday night at 8:58 pm. The lunar eclipse however begins already at 20:24. At this moment, the moon is already partially in the shadow of the Earth. As the moon rises almost opposite the sunset, it is still relatively bright: at 9:29 pm, the moon then disappears completely in the shadow of the Earth. The total eclipse lasts in Berlin until 23:13. At 0.19 pm, the moon then migrated out of the shadow of the Earth and stands as a "normal" full moon in the sky. Strictly speaking, it is still in the partial shade of the earth, but to the naked eye, it is hardly recognizable.
East Africa, Madagascar and Saudi Arabia have a very good view of the event.
The term "blood moon" is not suitable for the phenomenon?
The term is no longer appropriate today. The term dates back to a time when a lunar eclipse was badociated with blood because of the reddish coloring and looked like a harbinger of misfortune. In addition, a normal full moon sometimes turns red. This can happen under appropriate weather conditions. It also creates a risk of confusion with a total lunar eclipse.
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