Longest eclipse of this century expected
Starting at 8:24pm, the eclipse will last three hours and 55 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of this century.
NIGHT sky enthusiasts around South Africa are urged to keep keen eyes on this Friday’s, 27 July moon as it will boast a total lunar eclipse.
Starting at 8:24pm, the eclipse will last three hours and 55 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of this century.
“Near the eclipsed ‘blood moon’ this Friday will also be the ‘red planet’ Mars, shining at its brightest since 2003, as our planet is overtaking Mars next week,” explained the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa.
“Also in the sky this month is the bright ‘evening star’ Venus, as well as Jupiter and Saturn. All of this is easily visible with the naked eye.”
Read also: NSRI issues super blue blood moon spring tide warning
The Astronomical Society explained that this Friday night the Moon will start changing shape as it enters the shadow of the Earth at 8:24pm. From 9:30pm until 11:13pm, it will be totally eclipsed, but faintly lit by light refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere, which should give it a pale reddish colour. At 11:13pm the moon starts recovering from the eclipse, which will be over by 00:19am. This eclipse will be visible across wide swaths of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, greater Africa, South America and the Middle East.
If you do miss this moon, South Africa’s next total lunar eclipse is early morning of 16 May, 2022.
More information can be sought at assa.saao.ac.za. Post your eclipse photos to Twitter tagged #lunareclipse and mention the society (@AstroSocSA) for a retweet.
Toti’ites are urged to join in the full moon beach walk this Friday, starting from Baggies Beach (Warner Beach) at 5:30pm to Winkle Beach and back again. Children are welcome, so are dogs on leads. As ‘winter’ has decended upon Toti, walkers should dress warmly and bring along a torch.
The Warnadoone Ski Boat Club will be open and have braais on the go afterwards. Walkers are invited to bring along braai food for a festive evening at the local club, alcohol must, however, be bought at the club.
For more information contact Yvonne on 074-190-0949.
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