On 27 July, the world will witness the longest lunar eclipse of the century. The super blue blood moon is predicted to last for one hour and 43 minutes.
Photo courtesy of India.com/NOW!JAKARTA
NASA scientists have calculated that 2018 will be the longest run for the lunar eclipse and is most visible across South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
NASA has also predicted that the next super moon can be viewed from North and South America on 21 January, 2019. The longest Partial Lunar Eclipse is expected on 19 November 2021 while the largest total lunar eclipse will be on 26 June 2029.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, and only occurs when the sun, earth, and moon are aligned. Last January, people in Indonesia witnessed a lunar eclipse in Jakarta.
Total lunar eclipses, recently termed “super blue blood moon” are rare natural events when the moon turns a deep red. The last time this happened was in 1982. This rare moon position will not occur again until 2037.
In 2016, Indonesia became the meeting point to witness a total solar eclipse. It motivated the Ministry of Tourism to use the moment to hold festivals in many areas across the region.
The Total lunar eclipse in July is also expected to be a special tourism attraction which will be include festivals. Occurring during the summer months (as determined in the Western Hemisphere), the lunar eclipse is estimated to be in crystal clear sky where people can view it in full moon mode.
Some countries in the Middle East and Europe, India and Australia have been planning for it by communicating with hotels, restaurants, tourism organisers, and other shareholders to support the rare natural event.
With viewing in different continents, it is expected that there will be much travel to regions in the summer months for those countries.
