Total lunar eclipse, blood moon on July 27: Countdown begins

New Delhi : Stargazers, be ready to watch the million dollar celestial event to take place on July 27. Yes, the countdown has begun for the century longest lunar eclipse when the heavenly moon will turn into blood moon. The Moon will disappear into the Earth's darkest shadow, known as Umbra.

The total lunar eclipse on July 27 will be fully visible in the capital city Delhi. The night will feature the longest blood moon that the Earth has witnessed in 100 years. The astronomers are expecting the blood moon to last one hour and 43 minutes. Besides Delhi, the eclipse will be visible in different parts of the world. In India, the Penumbral eclipse will begin at 11:44 pm IST followed by a partial eclipse at 11:54 pm. The Umbra will also make the moon disappear momentarily from the sight.

A total eclipse will start at 1:00 am on July 28. The moon, closest to the centre of the shadow, will display the maximum eclipse at 1:51 am.

At 2:43 am, the total eclipse will end. The partial eclipse will start again around 3:49 am. At 4:58 am, the penumbral eclipse will end. The total duration of the eclipse will be six hours and 14 minutes.

The lunar eclipse will be completely visible in South America, East Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. The celestial treat will be extremely eye-catchy. It’s time to carry some special science equipment to have close watch of the blood moon.