Double Astronomical Event: Today The Red Planet & Blood Moon Will Amaze Skygazers
The longest blood moon eclipse of the century is about to take place, and fortunately, it will coincide with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years.
This will offer skygazers a fantastic astronomical double thrill. The viewers will not need any protective eye gear to observe the event.
The moon will be partially/totally in the Earth’s shadow
“All you have to do is… go outside!” the Royal Astronomical Society in London recommended.
For about half the world, the moon will be partly or entirely in Earth’s shadow from 17:14 to 23:28 GMT, six hours and 14 minutes in all.
The period of the complete eclipse, known as “totality,” when the moon appears darkest, will last from 19:30 to 21:13 GMT.
“Totality will last for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the 21st century!” the Royal Astronomical Society said.
Mars will near the moon in the night sky
Mars will be easily visible with the naked eye, and it will seem unusually large and bright. “We have a rare and interesting conjunction of phenomena,” Pascal Descamps, an astronomer with the Paris Observatory, told AFP.
“We should have a coppery red tint on the moon with Mars the ‘Red Planet’ just next to it, very bright and with a slight orange hue itself.”
The Royal Astronomical Society said that if you want a close-up view of the moon as it turns red all you will need is a pair of binoculars and you’re all set.
NASA calls out social media hoaxers
NASA made sure to call out the social media hoaxers who have been claiming that Mars will appear as big as the moon itself during the eclipse.
“If that were true, we’d be in big trouble given the gravitational pulls on Earth, Mars, and our moon!” NASA posted on its official website.
Mars will seem like a brighter star.
I have been blogging and posting articles for over eight years, but my passion for writing dates back in 2000. I am especially enthusiastic about technology, science, and health-related issues. When I’m not researching and writing the latest news, I’m either watching sci-fi and horror movies or checking out places worth visiting and building deep memories for later in life. I believe in empathy and continually improving myself.
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