Blood moon lunar eclipse

Pixabay

Blood moon lunar eclipse: Start time and weather forecast for Friday 27 July

There won’t be an eclipse like this for another 100 years. But cloud cover could ruin the spectacle for some of us…

Blood moon lunar eclipse

Pixabay

Get ready, as a “Blood moon lunar eclipse” is coming to South Africa on Friday night. The once in a lifetime event is set to break a record, too.

This peculiar occasions will see the moon completely change colour and illuminate the skies above Mzansi. But what causes this rare phenomenon, and when is the best time to see it? We’re here to answer a few questions…

Blood moon lunar eclipse, 27 July – essential knowledge:

Blood moon: What makes the moon turn red?

A Blood Moon can only occur during a lunar eclipse. The moon makes its way past the shadow that Earth casts from the sun’s light. This goes on to shroud the moon in darkness, changing its appearance from a bright white glow to a gloomy shade of red.

The gas molecules of Earth’s atmosphere scatter blue wavelengths of light from the sun, while the red-shaded wavelengths pass straight through it. Thus, we get a Blood Moon!

What time is the lunar eclipse on Friday 27 July?

From start to finish, the cosmic event is set to last from 20:24 – 00:19. The peak time will be between 21:30 – 23:15. This is when the moon is completely eclipsed and will be engulfed in those red wavelengths we were talking about.

How long with the lunar eclipse last for?

Well, we’re all about to witness something none of us are likely to ever see again. At three hours and 55 minutes long, this eclipse will officially be the longest one seen in South Africa for over 100 years.

A near-four-hour epic isn’t likely to come our way again until 2123. So whatever you’re doing on Friday, we implore you to take in this unique sight by any means necessary.

SA weather update: Will the skies be clear on Friday 27 July?

If you’re in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga or Free State, we have some good news for you. Clear skies are forecast for the overwhelming majority of your provinces.

However, the Northern Cape will experience a touch of patchy cloud cover, slightly limiting the viewing experience. The biggest concern is with the interior regions of the Western Cape, and coastal to central parts of the Eastern Cape.

Large areas of both Capes are expected to be blanketed in cloud. Some might get a peek at the eclipse, but you’ll have to be content with scraps, we’re afraid.

Cape Town, by the skin of its teeth, looks set to avoid the overcast conditions. Richards Bay and north-easterly regions of KZN might also be vulnerable to cloudy conditions, but the picture is looking clear for now.

The cloud cover above South Africa forecast for Friday 27 July, between 20:00 – 23:00 (ventusky.com)

Cape Town weather for 27 July: Will it rain?

Only the Western and Eastern Capes are expected to see any rain on Friday; the majority of which will fall earlier in the day. Scattered showers will come and go in the evening, but won’t have a significant effect on viewing the eclipse.

(ventusky.com)

How can I see Friday’s lunar eclipse?

You won’t need any visual enhancements as the eclipse will be visible to the naked eye. So there’s no need to panic buy binoculars, guys.

It really is a case of locating the moon and looking upwards. There’s no rocket science involved with this celestial phenomenon. If you want some suggestions for great places to take in the Blood moon lunar eclipse, read our preliminary guide here.