Blood Moon 2018: Planetariums plan for longest lunar eclipse in India

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After January 31, Super Blue Blood Moon lunar eclipse and the July 13 partial solar eclipse, the most spectacular Blood Moon is set to appear on July 27-28.
After January 31, Super Blue Blood Moon lunar eclipse and the July 13 partial solar eclipse, the most spectacular Blood Moon is set to appear on July 27-28.

Bengaluru : The countdown has already begun and just handful of hours is left to watch the unusual celestial event on July 27. The year 2018 marks the unexpected heavenly actions associated with Moon and Sun. After January 31, Super Blue Blood Moon lunar eclipse and the July 13 partial solar eclipse, the most spectacular Blood Moon is set to appear on July 27-28. As such, Planetariums across the globe are making special arrangements, provided weather permits.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru is also working hard to help people capture the million dollar moments to take place in a few days to come. However, the only concern remains the cloudy weather which may obstruct sky watchers from enjoying the heavenly event. "If the skies are clear, we will be setting up telescopes through which the general public can look at the eclipse. However, if it is cloudy, there's nothing that we can do," says Pramod Galgali, director, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.

The best part is that unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be seen with the naked eye from rooftops. However, the director says, "The planetarium is also making arrangements for Mars viewing. Both the moon and Mars will be close to each other and will be visible in red."

The eclipse, which is visible across the country, will take place from 11.54pm to 3.49am. While the partial phase is between 11.54 and 1am, and 2.43 to 3.49am, the period of totality is between 1am and 2.43am.  

Earlier this month, on July 13, there was a partial solar eclipse, which gave rise to several superstitious beliefs owing to its date. The fact is that such kind of solar eclipse occurred on December 13, 1974, and the next one like it will be seen only in 2080.

Besides, the next lunar eclipse is closer and will occur on January 21 2019. However, it will not be visible in India.