Chandra Grahan 2018: The blue moon will turn hauntingly blood red | Know when and where to watch

Chandra Grahan 2018 also known as Lunar Eclipse – much has been written about day after day. And you have been dreaming of the magical night to dawn. Just few more hours and the world will witness the blue moon turn hauntingly blood red on July 27.

The longest total chandra grahan in 21st century will last for three hours and 55 minutes, experts say. And the period when the moon will be completely darkened by the earth’s shadow will last one hour and 43 minutes.

What time will the total chandra grahan 2018 happen?

The totality – the period when the moon will be engulfed by the shadow of the earth - chandra grahan 2018 will start around 3.30 pm EDT. During this moment, the moon will pass the shadow of the earth almost along its diameter, making the remarkable phenomenon a few minutes longer than usual. In the process, the moon will be “illuminated by red light filtered by the earth's atmosphere”, astronomers say.

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People in Central Asia will be able to see the moon cross the earth’s shadow at 10:44 pm local time and can expect the chandra grahan to peak at around midnight.

In parts of Europe, West Africa and South America, the eclipse will be partially visible after sunset when the moon rises.

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In eastern Asia, Australia, and parts of the western Pacific, the heavenly event will be visible before sunrise as the moon fades on July 28.

Where will the total lunar eclipse be visible?

The celestial show will be visible to the naked eyes from parts of the world - South America, the Middle East, eastern Africa and central Asia.

The best places to watch the chandra grahan 2018

The best places to watch the celestial event are eastern Africa, the Middle East, India and central Asia, according to NASA.

Those in southern Africa and the Middle East will be able to witness the totality around midnight local time.

The next total chandra grahan will take place in January 21, 2019, astronomers say.