The longest total lunar eclipse of the century is taking place on Friday, when the silvery moon will turn a blood red and according to astronomers, spend 103 minutes in the Earth’s shadow.

The Institute for Space Science & Astronomy (ISSA) to mark this spectacle, has teamed up with the Astronomical Society of Malta, the Department of Physics, Esplora Interactive Science Centre, and Heritage Malta to organise a special event at Valletta’s Fort St Elmo, this Friday, the 27th of July.

ISSA founder Kristian Zarb Adami said, “this total lunar eclipse promises to transform Friday evening. And, contrary to solar eclipses this phenomenon is completely safe to see through the naked eye… plus you have plenty of time to savour the majestic dance of heavenly bodies since it will last one hour and 43 minutes.”

Astrophysicist Prof. Zarb Adami, explained that the reason this lunar eclipse was the longest of the 21st century was because it passed through the centre of Earth’s shadow, increasing the time in which the moon was blocked from the sun.

The partial phase of the eclipse would start at 8.24pm, with its totality – when the moon is fully covered by the umbra – being reached at 9.30pm, added Astronomical Society President Josef Borg.

Dr Borg went on to say that, “since the moon will be rising as it goes through its partial phase and approaches totality, it is best to view the eclipse facing east. However, the total phase itself will be visible from practically anywhere, as the moon will be high enough to be seen from most locations with unobstructed views towards the southeast.”

Years ago the moon’s ochre orange colour was considered to be a bad omen that instilled fear and panic until the scientific explanation of how lunar eclipses occurred was finally understood.

Those attending Friday’s event, which is being endorsed by the Valletta 2018 Foundation, will be able to zoom in through the telescopes on site and witness other planets such Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

Scientists from ISSA and amateur astronomers from the Astronomical Society will be on hand to help and share their knowledge, while a number of experts in the different fields of recycling, plastics, trees and the environment will give short talks.

Prof. Zarb Adami said, “our talks this year put a heavy accent on our environment to help make people aware that while looking up at the heavens it is still vital to ensure we preserve our planet.”

The astronomers plan to transmit a YouTube live feed of the eclipse through the telescope, to make this celestial wonder accessible to all local, as well as foreign, news outlets and enable them to cover the event accordingly, with the support of Vodafone Malta,

Friday’s event, which starts at 8pm and runs until 12.30am, is free.

Photo: Images of the different phases of a total lunar eclipse captured in Malta in 2011 by Leonard Ellul Mercer.

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