What is the "Blood Moon"? and why will it be the longest eclipse of the century?

On the evening of July 27 and early in the morning of July 28, people across the eastern hemisphere of the world will be treated to a rare "blood moon".

It will also be the longest total lunar eclipse of this century.

Here's what you need to know about the phenomenon.

What is the blood moon?

A blood moon is the definition used when the moon appears bright, large and reddish in color, and it only occurs when there is a full moon.

Why is the moon of blood coming?

The blood moon is the result of a total lunar eclipse, which is when the moon passes directly behind the earth and in its shadow.

In order for a lunar eclipse to occur, the sun, the earth and the moon must be completely aligned or very closely, with the planet in between.

Why does the moon seem red?

The moon appears red because of a phenomenon known as "Rayleigh scattering".

Before sunlight reaches the moon, it is filtered through the atmosphere of the earth, which filters certain colors.

All elements of the Earth's atmosphere, including pollution, dust storms and volcanic eruptions, can affect the shade of the red moon takes during the eclipse.

Dust blocks blue light waves of higher frequency, but the longer wavelength of red light passes.

During the eclipse, if you stood on the moon and watched the sun, you would see the planet as a big black disk blocking the entire star, with a ring of light on them. edges. This luminous ring is the light that falls on the moon during a total eclipse.

Why will it last so long?

Because the moon will pass directly into the darkest region of the Earth's shadow.

This will happen at the same time as the apogee of the moon. This is when the moon is farthest from the earth.

It will also be the smallest full moon of the year. This means that it will take longer to cross the earth's shadow, which will make the eclipse longer.

When will it be visible?

Europe and Africa can see the eclipse somewhere between sunset and midnight on July 27, while most of Asia, Indonesia and Europe Australia will see the eclipse sometime between midnight and sunrise on July 28th.

Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible at any time for those in America.

How long will you be able to see it?

People in the UK will be able to see the blood moon on July 27th for an estimated average of 103 minutes as the moon travels into the shadow of the Earth.

EarthSky's experts predict that the lunar eclipse will begin at 7:30 pm and end at 9:13 pm.

Where is the best place to see it?

Those from southern England will be able to see the total eclipse for the longest time, estimated at 1 hour and 23 minutes, while those in Scotland will see it for 40 minutes on average.