Everything you need to know about the “Lunar Eclipse” on the 27th of July 2018 and the best spots to experience it at its fullest!
Everything you need to know about a total lunar eclipse...
What: To put it as simply as possible, a total lunar eclipse is when the moon passes through the centre of the Earth's shadow. At first, the Earth casts a smaller shadow on the moon’s surface, covering it only partially. It’s only after a few hours that the Earth’s shadow completely lines up with the moon, making it take on a very unique reddish-brown colour. This red and glittering effect is called "Rayleigh scattering", which is basically the same thing that causes the sun's rays to appear reddish, reflecting the breaking of light by the Earth's atmosphere.
When: July 27, 2018
Duration: This eclipse will actually be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century and will last about 103 minutes in total, so there's no excuse for you to miss out on it!
Visibility: In general, lunar eclipses can be observed from all around the world. However, the duration of the eclipse depends on how long the eclipse is occurring at nighttime in your location. This Friday's total lunar eclipse will be fully visible over Easten Africa and Central Asia, seen rising over South America, Western Africa and Europe, and setting over Eastern Asia and Australia.
Cool things to know about Lunar Eclipses:
1 - Total lunar eclipses are often nicknamed "Bloody Moons" due to the reddish-orange colour they turn.
2 - Lunar eclipses never occur alone! Usually there are other forms of eclipses that occur either two weeks before or after it... sometimes even three in a row!
Our guide to observe the lunar eclipse all over the world:
As the moon begins to rise, the eclipse will be partially visible from Rio de Janeiro, on the east coast of South America, at 17:27. After 45 minutes (local time), the moon will start to exit the Earth's shadow. At 19:19, it will emerge from the shadow completely and it will eventually end at 20:28. if you happen to be living it up in Brasil at this time, there are many places you can go for great views, namely the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Chill with your friends and wait up here until the sun goes down, before heading back down to the lively Arcos de Lapa to continue your evening in true Latin American style.
Where to be: Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where to stay: Walk On The Beach Hostel
If you find yourself in Europe during the lunar eclipse, we've got you covered! For the Londoners out there, or those who may be visiting at this time, it will start around 20:51. The eclipse’s peak will take place at 21:21 local time. The moon will then exit the Earth’s shadow by 23:19. Seeing as this is a Friday night, you will probably be looking for some drinks to start off the weekend. We recommend a trip to the Madison Rooftop Bar opposite St Paul's Cathedral. The fantastic views, combined with vibey music, great cocktails and a lively atmosphere, makes it the perfect place to watch the eclipse with style.
Where to be: Madison Rooftop bar, London, UK
Where to stay: Acacia Hostel
Photo: @sapphireprivate.co.uk
In Athens, the eclipse will take place at 21:24 local time and the shadow phase will begin at 22:30. The full eclipse will be at 23:21 and then the moon will begin to exit the sun's shadow at 01:19, completely outside of it at 02:28. Have a late dinner in the city center before wandering up to Filopappos Hill to watch the eclipse from above. Grab a bottle of wine from the supermarket, pop a blanket in your bag, and relax under the stars.
Where to be: Filopappos Hill, Athens, Greece
Where to stay: Hostel Lozanni
Photo: @emmlexxmountains Instagram
If you are in India or anywhere in Central Asia, you will be able to see the eclipse completely in the middle of the night. In New Delhi it will start at around 23:54 local time, with the moon turning red after 01:00, reaching the end of its phase at 03:49. There is no better place to be than the roof top of Leela Palace Hotel - home to the only rooftop pool in the city! - to catch the start of the eclipse. However, this place closes at 23:00, so we recommend for those that want to watch the eclipse in full to head to India Gate, and chill under the evening glow of the monument, with no doubt many others who will have the same idea!
Where to be: Leela Palace Rooftop or India Gate, New Delhi, India
Where to stay: Zostel Delhi Zostel Delhi
South Africa is up next! The eclipse in Cape Town will start around 20:15 local time, with the complete eclipse taking place at 10:21. At this point, the moon will appear red for about 40 minutes until 11:13. Cape Town is famous for its spectacular scenic views, which makes it a great place to watch the eclipse. Take a trip to Table Mountain and be prepared to be amazed, or if you're looking for something a bit less vertical, you can watch it with a cocktail in hand in Cape Town's coolest roof bar, The Waiting Room, and dance the night away!
Where to be: Table Mountain or The Waiting Room, Cape Town, South Africa
Where to stay: The Backpack
Last but not least, for the Aussies out there! In Melbourne, the moon will begin to enter the Earth’s shade at 04:24 and will turn red at approximately 5:30 pm local time, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 06:21. The moon will begin to go leave the shade at 07:28 and will continue to do so until sunrise. Maybe it’s too early in the morning for you, but if you are a keen-bean for astronomy, or simply an early bird in general, we suggest going to watch it from the Royal Botanical Gardens for a truly spectacular experience. If you happen to still be awake after a night of partying it up in Melbourne's coolest clubs, what better way to end the night than rolling out onto a beach with your friends and chilling until sunrise? Brighton Beach is the perfect place to be for good views of the eclipse!
Where to be: Royal Botanical Gardens or Brighton Beach, Melbourne, Australia
Where to stay: Discovery Melbourne
Photo: @almalogz Instagram
So there you have it, our guide for the lunar eclipse from the four sides of the world for this Friday. Do not forget to share the photos you took on July 27 with us!
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