Blood Moon 2018: Where, When and How to View the ‘Eclipse of the Century’ in Australia and Around the World

Blood Moon 2018 is happening this weekend, and you cannot miss it as a total lunar eclipse rarely happens. This lunar event takes when both the Moon and Mars travel across the sky very close to each other, creating an awesome view of the night sky.

There was a Super Blue Blood Moon in January and this one is different so everyone must get ready to see the rare view on Saturday, July 28. Although Blood Moon 2018 will be visible across the world, the Australians are set to see the longest total eclipse of the century.

According to National Geographic, from late night on July 27 to the morning of July 28, “Mars is about to make its closest approach to Earth in 15 years—just as the full moon blushes red in the longest ‘blood moon’ eclipse of the century.”

When exactly will it begin?

Blood Moon 2018 will occur in the early morning of July 28, with the total eclipse being viewable at around 5:30 a.m. Based on the information posted on Time and Date, below is the timeline when the Moon will turn red in Australia:

Melbourne / Canberra / Sydney / Brisbane

3:14 a.m. - Penumbral eclipse begins

4:24 a.m. - Partial eclipse begins

5:30 a.m. - Total eclipse begins

6:21 a.m. - Maximum eclipse

7:13 a.m. - Total eclipse ends (Melbourne only)

Perth / Darwin / Adelaide

2:44 a.m. - Penumbral eclipse

3:54 a.m. - Partial eclipse

5:00 a.m. - Total eclipse

5:51 a.m. - Maximum eclipse

6:43 a.m. - Total eclipse ends

As long as the sky is clear, everyone else will get to see Blood Moon in Australia. For the rest of the world, except North America, it will be a mini Blood Moon experience since they will only see a part of the total lunar eclipse. Forbes posted the time chart for Blood Moon viewing for countries outside of Down Under.

On July 27, eclipse watchers in South America, Africa, Europe and Asia will witness partial Blood Moon and it is expected to last for at least four hours, with the total eclipse lasting for about one hour and 42 minutes from 7:30 to 9:13 p.m. UTC.

Rural areas offer better views since they have less pollution and are not as bight as the city. For city dwellers, choosing a spot where the sky is clear is the best option to see the Blood Moon.

Lastly, there will also be a live stream of Blood Moon 2018 via Slooh, so those who can’t see it in their area can view it in real-time. The event starts at 1 p.m. EST on Friday, July 27.