Red Planet And ‘Blood Moon’ Pair Up To Dazzle Skygazers • Channels Television

 

Skygazers across the globe will be treated to a thrilling celestial spectacle Friday when the longest “blood moon” eclipse this century coincides with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years.

Unlike with a solar eclipse, viewers will need no protective eye gear to observe the rare display.

“All you have to do is… go outside!”, the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in London said, adding that binoculars will be useful to observe the phenomenon up close.

For about half the world, the moon will be partly or fully in Earth’s shadow from 17:14 to 23:28 GMT — six hours and 14 minutes in all.

The period of complete eclipse – known as “totality”, when the moon appears darkest – will last from 19:30 to 21:13 GMT.

“Totality will last for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the 21st century,” the RAS said.

At the same time, Mars will hover near…