Tonight will be an historic event for astronomy fans as the longest Blood Moon eclipse of the century will be visible over Ireland.
A red moon will rise on Friday evening for over an hour and 47 minutes – marking the longest spectacle of the 21st century.
The red moon phenomenon will be amplified by another event, as Mars will be closer to Earth than any time in the past 15 years. Both the moon and Mars will be visible to the naked eye.
The ‘Blood Moon’ occurs due to a total lunar eclipse, which is a rare occurrence as Earth will appear in a straight line between the moon and the sun. The moon will take on a red tinge as sunlight is blocked and the only light reaching the moon is refracted from the Earth’s atmosphere.
Astronomists say the eclipse will be visible from Ireland between 8.30pm and 10.13pm. Anyone hoping to see the Blood Moon is advised to look low towards the south east. Mars will be visible after the moon rises.
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