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The total lunar eclipse of July 27, 2018, seen from Rome. Mars is also clearly visible on this shot, which was captured and shared on a webcast by astrophysicist Gianluca Masi of The Virtual Telescope Project.
Source: Gianluca Masi / Virtual Telescope Project
The longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century delighted observers around the world on Friday, July 27th.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes, this eclipse timed in only 4 minutes shorter than the longest possible event calculated by astronomers. The duration allows viewers around the world to see the phenomenon, with observers of the sky congregating in observatories across the whole area and those with unfortunate geography tuning into the livestreams
The unusually long duration of the event eclipse was caused by a few different celestial factors. The moon was close to its farthest point on Earth and was slowly turning into orbit, making it appear smaller and taking longer to travel through the Earth's shadow. In addition, the Earth was close to its aphelion, the farthest point of the sun, making its shadow appear larger. [Blood Moon 2018: Longest Total Lunar Eclipse of Century Occurs July 27]
The eclipse officially began at 1:14 pm. EDT (17:14 GMT), according to NASA, and the moon slowly slipped into the shadow of the Earth and began to darken and then blush.
But the real show started at 15:30. EDT (1930 GMT), when all started, and the moon was fully installed in the shadow of the Earth.
Credit: Alexander Gerst / ESA via Twitter
Because of timing, daylight meant observers from North America and most of South America failed to see the phenomenon in person.But astronomers armed with telescopes around the world shared their views and their enthusiasm.
"On the left you have the wonderful Colosseum, at least one detail, and the rest of the landscape just shows the moon", Gianluca Masi of the virtual telescope project said during the livestream of the organization of the Event, which shared the view of a telescope located at the ancient Roman forum. "Look, my friends, it's incredibly incredible," he added shortly before the whole thing began. "
" It's impossible to keep these emotions in view because this experience is so huge " said Masi shortly after the biggest eclipse. The moon remained completely overshadowed until 17:13. EDT (21:13 GMT), with the eclipse at its maximum at 16:21. EDT (2021 GMT). The event officially ended at 19:28. EDT (2328 GMT), when the moon completely left the Earth's shadow
The lunar eclipse is only half of the day's heavenly spectacle: the Skygazers also get an incredible view of a brilliant Mars, which is today in opposition. The next lunar eclipse will take place on January 21, 2019, and unlike today 's event, this eclipse will be visible to North American viewers.
Send an email to Meghan Bartels at [email protected] follow it @ Meghanbartels . Follow us on @Spacedotcom Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com .
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