Blood Moon 2018: All you need to know about the longest lunar eclipse

Blood Moon 2018: July will hold the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21^st century when the moon will be visible to the human naked eye in a reddish colour on July 27.

The Blood Moon 2018 will last one hour and 43 minutes, nearly 40 minutes longer than the Super Blue Blood Moon of January 31.

What is a Blood Moon?

Blood Moon is a non-scientific termed used to refer to the red tinge on a fully eclipsed moon. It takes place during a total lunar eclipse when the moon takes on a reddish hue which is visible from Earth.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes in between the Sun and Moon, blocking the sunlight from directly falling onto the moon. An eclipse happens when the moon is under the Earth’s shadow.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon’s disk can take on a dramatically colourful appearance from bright orange to blood red, depending upon the part of the Earth’s shadow it would pass through. That’s why some people call it a ‘Blood Moon’.

Why is Blood Moon 2018 the longest lunar eclipse?

This will be the longest lunar eclipse as the moon will pass directly into the darkest region of Earth’s shadow known as the umbra.

The moon is at furthest point from Earth in its monthly orbit during the eclipse, thus taking longer to cross Earth’s shadow.

It will be the smallest and furthest full moon of the year.

Where and when to watch the eclipse in India?

The Blood Moon 2018 would be visible from all parts of the country on July 27.

“Viewers in India are lucky since the eclipse, both partial and the total, will be entirely visible from all parts of the country,” Director, Research and Academic, MP Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, MP Birla Planetarium, Debiprosad Duari told PTI.

Partial eclipse would start at 11:54 pm Indian Standard Time on July 27 and the total eclipse would begin at 1 am on July 28.

At 1.52 am on July 28, the moon would look the darkest and it would continue till 2:43 am, Duari said.

How safe is to watch the lunar eclipse?

According to scientists, the lunar eclipse can be watched with the naked eye. “No special filters are required to protect our eyes like those used for watching solar eclipses. One does not need a telescope to watch the eclipse, though a good pair of binoculars will enhance the experience,” Duari said.

When is the next total lunar eclipse?

The next total lunar eclipse will happen on January 21, 2019, which will be for one hour and two minutes.

(With inputs from agencies)