We live on a small planet that’s part of a huge galaxy, which is then part of a broader universe. And due to its vastness, we always keep speculating about what’s out there and how they’ll affect us. However, going by the way we get excited on seeing the Moon or any other planet in our Solar System, we’ll probably lose our minds if we’re ever contacted by aliens.
On January this year, Indians were lucky enough to witness the Supermoon in its full glory. It lasted for a good 3-4hrs before going into a full lunar eclipse, giving us a plethora of splendid pictures to mark the occasion. But it’s time to take out those cameras again because, guess what, the Moon’s coming back in red.
According to ABC News, on this Friday, Earthlings can witness the longest total lunar eclipse that’ll turn the Moon reddish orange. Noah Petro, a scientist from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center said,
“The eclipse won’t be visible from North America. Star-gazers in areas near the Middle East, south or eastern Africa, western and southeast Asia and India will be able to catch a glimpse of the celestial event as long as the weather permits.”
Petro added that the totality of the lunar eclipse will last for an hour and about 42 minutes. In that time the moon will retain its red colour. And while Australians will be able to see the lunar eclipse as the Moon sets, those in eastern Brazil and western Europe will see it as the Moon is rising.
Considering how this will be the longest total lunar eclipse in the century, Petro shelled out some suggestions for those who’ll be able to witness it and those who won’t.
For those who want to see the lunar eclipse in its full glory, Petro suggested that they should rent a boat and take it to the middle of the Indian Ocean. Now, if that’s too much of a hassle for you, the NASA scientist said that you can also go to Ethiopia because that, my friends, is the “best seat in the house.”
The ones who’ll be missing it out on this cosmic event are the citizens of U.S.A because of bad lighting. However, they shouldn’t sweat it because their robotic spacecraft, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, will experience it first-hand. Additionally, if they wait a few more months, they’ll be able to witness a combo of a total lunar eclipse and Supermoon on January 21st, 2019.
Space enthusiasts on the internet are really excited to witness this, with most of them thinking it’ll bring about the end of the Earth.
1. Okay, calm down!
https://twitter.com/7pourunsecret/status/1021598093123444737
2. That’s a better idea than going into the Indian Ocean.
https://twitter.com/brave_olvera/status/1021539389225107462
3. Zelda fans are getting all riled up.
https://twitter.com/jasgoof/status/1021506367981596672
4. People are really enthusiastic about the Moon.
Finally cause these emotions are kicking my ass https://t.co/LJiM8p3kQs
— #OGLilMeowMeow🐱 (@notsospringday) July 24, 2018
5. Perfect.
alexa play eclipse by loona's kimlip https://t.co/l0mur3cbtm
— closed. (@httpsyvonne) July 23, 2018
6. Can I join in, please?
https://twitter.com/gabblast/status/1021569251369463808
7. Thanks for the information.
https://twitter.com/andrew_stow/status/1021456983185125376
Well, whether you think it’ll be the end of our existence or just another lunar eclipse, one thing’s for sure. It’ll be a sight to behold. So, start clearing your schedule for Friday because this total lunar eclipse is happening with or without you.