Lunar eclipse on Friday

Lunar eclipse Jan 2018, Indonesia. Photo Fachul Reza/AFP

A total eclipse of the moon will be visible (weather permitting) on Friday 27th July evening from around  21h29 (9.30pm) lasting until just after midnight. The satellite will be totally eclipsed at about 22h20 and unlike solar eclipses will be perfectly safe to view with the naked eye.
The duration of the eclipse, 1 hour 43 minutes, will be the longest this century, as apparently the moon is fairly distant from the earth and it takes longer for the shadow to pass.
At the same time as the eclipse, the planet Mars will be at its closest point and shining more brightly that its neighbour the moon. Star gazers will no doubt be anticipating this double celestial treat.
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