JOHANNESBURG — Skywatchers around much of the world have begun watching a complete lunar eclipse that is the longest of this century.
JOHANNESBURG — Skywatchers around much of the world have begun watching a complete lunar eclipse that is the longest of this century.
The so-called “blood moon,” when it turns a deep red, is visible at different times in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America when the sun, Earth and moon line up perfectly, casting Earth’s shadow on the moon.
The total eclipse lasts 1 hour and 43 minutes, with the entire event lasting closer to four hours.
In a special treat, Mars is in opposition on Friday — meaning the planet and the sun will be on exact opposite sides of the Earth and will shine its best. Mars is also at its closest approach to Earth this week since 2003, making it appear bigger and brighter.
