Longest total lunar eclipse on July 28

Kathmandu, July 27: Skygazers in Nepal will be able to catch a glimpse of the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st Century on July 28. The eclipse, that starts at 12:09 am will last till 4:04 am, according to a press release issued by Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO).

A lunar eclipse takes places when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting shadow on the moon. At 1:15 am, the shadow of the Earth will completely cover the moon, creating the ‘blood moon’. And the total lunar eclipse will last for one hour and 43 minutes, till 2:58 am, the press statement further adds. The moon will gradually come out of the Earth’s shadow by 4:04 am. .

The period of complete eclipse is known as “totality” – this is the period when the moon appears darkest. .

“Totality will last for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the 21st Century,” AFP quotes Royal Astronomical Society in London as saying. .

People living in all parts of the country can watch the lunar eclipse, if the weather is favourable..

Those who wish to observe the longest lunar eclipse can do so from their houses or open space with their naked eyes or telescopes, as per NASO. – HNS.