UAE to Witness a 'Blood Moon' In Longest Eclipse of the Century

For UAE residents, we're in luck! As the entire eclipse will be visible from the Middle East, Africa and countries in central Asia.

Those residing in North America will not be able to witness it, although countries in the Eastern Hemisphere of Earth will be able to see some parts or all of the eclipse.

Individuals in South America will be able to see the lunar eclipse ending, and those in Australia will be able to see the beginning, according to Space.com.

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Centre for Space and Astronomy, the 'blood moon' will be visible on July 27th at 9.14pm UAE local time, and will continue for five hours until 2.19am.

Totality will occur from 11.30pm until 1.30am, for 103 minutes, Khaleej Times reports. The peak eclipse time will take place at 12.21am.

Inspired by previous celestial events seen from the UAE, there are particular places across the country that would be perfect to visit if you want to watch this July's lunar eclipse and 'blood moon' in all its glory.

If you're in and around Fujairah, you'll have the advantage of seeing it just minutes ahead of the rest of the UAE, as you're closer to it.

In Dubai, if you're at the top of Burj Khalifa you'll be able to see it one minute ahead of everyone else - due to the sheer size of the building! In fact, the last entry to Burj Khalifa's attractions is 10pm, so it's definitely worth booking a ticket if you want an advantage.

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There's also three astronomy groups in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, who will no doubt all be holding public viewings at their observatories.

Weather permitting, residents who just want to catch a glimpse may be able to do so across the country; of course, heading out into the desert for a little drive, away from the light pollution of the cities may be rewarding enough as you watch the 'blood moon' this July.

Lunar eclipses are very different from solar eclipses, as you needn't have special equipment to observe the celestial event. A lunar eclipse instead, is the moment when the moon passes into Earth's shadow, and it is safe to view directly with the naked eye, telescopes or binoculars.

A 'blood moon' occurs when the moon turns a deep red or reddish brown during these lunar eclipses, instead of going completely dark. This is because there is still sunlight travelling through Earth's atmosphere, which is bent around the planet and falls onto the moon's surface.