Friday, July 27, 2018 will experience one of the longest complete lunar eclipses that this century is likely to experience. This eclipse of the moon, where shadow of the earth falls on the moon, is also being called the Blood Moon because of the way that the moon will turn reddish in colour. In the UAE, you will have front row seats to the eclipse!
Experts say that this is to be the longest lunar eclipse of the century lasting about 1 hour and 43 minutes.
This is to be a blood moon, where the colour of the moon will appear reddish – where, although the moon is in shadow, some of the infrared light of the sun lingers and reflects off its surface. In the past, this phenomenon has been associated with bad omens and a foretelling of terrible things to come. Now we know that this is just a natural phenomenon; one that lets us experience the might of our beautiful universe!
The eclipse will be seen at most places on earth from Australia to parts of South America but not in North America. UAE is one of the best places to view this natural phenomenon.
The eclipse will be visible from about 11.30 PM at night till about 1.15 AM on Saturday. An eclipse that occurred earlier this year in January was not visible from the UAE, so many here are very excited about this astronomical event.
According to Time Magazine, Jumeirah Circle in Dubai is one of the best places in the world to view Friday’s total lunar eclipse. Stargazers can enjoy the event by gathering at this spot, enjoy some refreshments and interact with like-minded people.
Viewers can also view the eclipse from the observatory founded by Emirati businessman and astronomy enthusiast Thabet Al Qaissieh, and Alejandro Palado, a Filipino resident who originally founded the Abu Dhabi Astronomy Group.
This as well as other groups and astronomy enthusiasts are busy setting up telescopes and other paraphernalia to view the event. The planet Mars will also be seen in the sky today and will be closer to earth than usual as well.
Several organizations and establishments have announced the hosting of the event. You can decide to join others or you can simply head to high point in your neighbourhood where you have an unrestricted view of the sky. The weatherman promises clear skies tonight in the UAE!
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