A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. When this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth’s shadow falls on it and takes on a reddish glow, earning it the nickname “blood moon.”
This dramatic occurrence happens when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly lined up and according to NASA the moon will be completely obscured for 1 hour and 43 minutes: a remarkable length of time.
“This is a really cool eclipse,” said Noah Petro, a planetary geologist from NASA, speaking to NBC News, adding that the event will be extra special because, “this is going to be the longest eclipse of this century.”
In addition to this lengthy lunar eclipse, on the same day planet Mars will reach its opposition, meaning it will shine at its brightest in the sky according to Space.com. Mars will be at its closest to Earth since 2003.
Space enthusiasts in North America will have to wait until Jan. 21 2019 to see the next lunar eclipse.
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This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see something incredible so to all those living in the viewing countries enjoy! Please share to let others know of this historical event.