SINGAPORE: A “blood moon” enthralled stargazers across Singapore early on Saturday (Jul 28) as it was covered in shadow for the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century.
The total eclipse lasted one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds, though a partial eclipse preceded and followed, meaning the moon spent a total of nearly four hours in the Earth's umbral shadow, according to NASA.
AdvertisementThe eclipse also coincided with Mars' closest approach in 15 years, with the Red Planet hovering close to the red-tinted moon.
Photo posted on Twitter shows the "blood moon" with the planet Mars nearby. (Photo: Twitter/@Thefinnigans)
AdvertisementAdvertisementAstronomy enthusiasts gathered at Marina South Pier and other locations across Singapore to witness the spectacle.
Photo posted on Facebook shows people gathering at Singapore's Marina South Pier ahead of the lunar eclipse. (Photo: Facebook/Dewi Susanti)
Others viewed the display from wherever they could.
A full moon prior to the eclipse. (Photo: Kholina)
Mars and the "blood moon" as seen near Far East Plaza. (Photo: Facebook/Jim Babcock)
The lunar eclipse as seen from Buangkok Crescent. (Photo: Natasya Qisthina)
A full moon is seen prior to the lunar eclipse. (Photo: A Kannan)
The eclipse was visible throughout much of Asia, and the nearby getaway of Batam was no exception.
The "blood moon" and Mars as seen from Batam. (Photo: David Zhang)
The "blood moon" as seen from Batam. (Photo: David Zhang)
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth takes position in a straight line between the moon and sun, blotting out the direct sunlight that normally makes our satellite glow whitish-yellow.
The moon travels to a similar position every month, but the tilt of its orbit means it normally passes above or below the Earth's shadow - so most months we have a full moon without an eclipse.
The different phases of the "blood moon" eclipse as captured via a telescope located in Punggol Central. (Photo: Sandeep)
When the three celestial bodies are perfectly lined up, however, the Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light from the sun while refracting or bending red light onto the moon, usually giving it a rosy blush.
The moon is partially covered in shadow as seen from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Photo: Pho Phalla)
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The total eclipse lasted one hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds, though a partial eclipse preceded and followed, meaning the moon spent a total of nearly four hours in the Earth's umbral shadow, according to NASA.
AdvertisementThe eclipse also coincided with Mars' closest approach in 15 years, with the Red Planet hovering close to the red-tinted moon.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAstronomy enthusiasts gathered at Marina South Pier and other locations across Singapore to witness the spectacle.
Others viewed the display from wherever they could.
The eclipse was visible throughout much of Asia, and the nearby getaway of Batam was no exception.
A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth takes position in a straight line between the moon and sun, blotting out the direct sunlight that normally makes our satellite glow whitish-yellow.
The moon travels to a similar position every month, but the tilt of its orbit means it normally passes above or below the Earth's shadow - so most months we have a full moon without an eclipse.
When the three celestial bodies are perfectly lined up, however, the Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light from the sun while refracting or bending red light onto the moon, usually giving it a rosy blush.
As the moon goes dark over Singapore, I am reminded:
"As far as we can discern the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being." Carl Jung. pic.twitter.com/M9uTRHvQ8z
— Kim Forrester (@KimMForrester) July 27, 2018
Unfortunately for those who missed Saturday's eclipse, the next lunar eclipse of such a length will only happen in 2123."As far as we can discern the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being." Carl Jung. pic.twitter.com/M9uTRHvQ8z
— Kim Forrester (@KimMForrester) July 27, 2018
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