Another grand solar display is about to take place for the viewing of many people around the world. On Wed., June 15th, the longest total lunar eclipse since July 2000 will take place and it will occur during June's full moon, starting at 1:24 a.m. EST and lasting until 7 a.m. EST. Unfortunately, those in North America won't be able to witness the eclipse but those in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia will. It will be visible completely over Africa, and Central Asia, visible rising over South America, western Africa, and Europe, and setting over eastern Asia. In western Asia, Australia and the Philippines, the lunar eclipse will be visible just before sunrise.

Total lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a deep shadow through which the moon then travels. The moon will appear to darken and turn a deep red before returning to normal. The Earth's shadow will block the full moon for a full 100 minutes. This 100-minute duration of the total lunar eclipse on Wednesday will only be three minutes short of the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century that will occur on July 27, 2018. The total number of total lunar eclipses during this century will be 85.

This lunar eclipse is safe to watch but observers should use some kind of protective filter for the eyes. A pair of binoculars will help magnify the view and will make the red coloration of the moon brighter. It will be a spectacular sight for all to see.




UPDATE: Because the lunar eclipse is now over, i have remplaced the live feeds below with video of the event.