The longest total lunar eclipse of the century to make the moon blush this month

It's going to be a red light in the sky on Friday, but do not worry: it will be a completely healthy, family-only event made up of celestial bodies. Two, actually.

Mars will shine all night at its closest point to Earth since 2003 and much of the globe will also see a total lunar eclipse turn our satellite into a red-orange "blood moon".

You can watch both The Red Planet and the Red Moon are broadcast live on Fridays.

You may have already noticed Mars at dusk in recent weeks, resembling a bright star with lots of red. It worked the way closest to the Earth in about fifteen years.

It will happen technically at this point on July 31, but Friday will be at "the opposition", appearing directly in front of the sun from our cosmic point of view. As a result, the red planet will rise at sunset and will remain in the sky until sunrise.

"When you first see Mars rising to east after sunset, you'll be surprised Diana Hannikainen, editor of the Telescope Observatory." Her pale orange color is unmistakable. "

The moon will also take on a red-orange appearance Friday night longer than at any other time in the next century

This is due to the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century, which is expected to descend July 27. In fact, it is probably the longest event of the year 2123, according to NASA catalog.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth and moon are aligned, projecting the reddish-orange shadow of our planet onto the surface of the moon. This is why a total lunar eclipse is often called "blood moon".

The scientific explanation of the scary satellite in red hue is certainly a little less exciting than the more hysterical explanation of ancient times: from a huge invisible dragon in the sky will try to devour the moon but ultimately fail.

Whatever your favorite explanation, this happens this month and it will last 1 hour and 43 minutes. But there is a trap: it will only be visible in parts of South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The map below from NASA provides an idea of ​​where to plan your trip for the best viewing of the blood moon.

To know exactly when to look at the total lunar eclipse where you are, you can hook up your location in the Lunar Eclipse Explorer from NASA for all the details.

If you can not catch this moon of blood, do not worry. The next will come in January and will be visible from Europe and the Americas.

First published on July 11, 3:31 pm. PT
Update July 25 at 13:34: Swaps in the new title; adds information about the opposition of Mars.