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Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Century Is Happening Right Now

Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Century Is Happening Right Now

The super-rare event has begun

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

The longest lunar eclipse - or blood moon - in a century has begun.

During the ultra-rare event, which experts reckon will last for an hour and 43 minutes, the sun, Earth and moon will align and the Earth's shadow will give the moon a red appearance thanks to the way it refracts the sun - hence the name 'blood moon'.

In the UK, assuming we get decent weather conditions, we'll be able to see the red moon from 9.00pm to 10.15pm local time, according to the BBC.

If you're really keen to catch a glimpse of the cool phenomena, experts recommend heading to the south-east and hoping for a cloud-less sky.

As well as the blood moon, stargazers will also be treated to a spectacular show from Mars, too. In a weird coincidence, Mars is set to be the closest it's been to Earth in 15 years, so will appear especially big and bright.

NASA scientist Amy Simon told the Guardian: "You can't miss Mars right now in the sky right now - it's a bright-red sparkling jewel." Lovely.

But it might not all be good news, because according to some, the unusual phenomena can cause hormonal shifts, disruption to sleep and even headaches, which is just wonderful when you couple it with this unbelievable heatwave we've had making it impossible to sleep.

PA

In the past few days, there have been numerous reports that the lunar event can cause havoc for some people who are 'sensitive' to such things.

Meanwhile, one former Aussie copper has said that the busiest nights always followed a full-moon.

Therese March, a former constable with NSW Police told news.com.au: "Our busiest time on the job would always be after dark when it was a full moon and they'd always be unusual jobs or people doing stupid things. They'd never be ordinary.

"It was just odd behaviour, stupid complaints and unusual complaints. They all seemed irrelevant at the time, but they were always during full moons."

However, a couple of studies have found no link between the phases of the moon and human behaviour.

Dr Nick Davis, a senior lecturer in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, told Metro.co.uk: "There's no evidence that the phase of the moon can directly affect humans.


via GIPHY

"It's possible that people who've heard that the lunar eclipse might influence their mood or behaviour might feel affected, because they have created a psychological expectation.

"It's not about physics, it's about classic superstition. The state of the planet cannot affect our moods or brains directly."

Good to know.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News