You can watch the longest partial lunar eclipse in nearly 600 years this week

Nov 16 2021, 6:22 pm

You’re going to want to stay up for this one. The longest partial lunar eclipse in nearly 600 years is set to grace the night sky later this week.

According to NASA, the eclipse is set to last a staggering three hours, 28 minutes, and 23 seconds.

Visible from most of North America, 98% of the moon will be covered by the earth’s shadow at the height of the eclipse, making it the largest one of the century.

The lunar eclipse in Canada won’t begin until the late evening, starting at 2 am EST/12 am MST/11 pm PST on the night of Thursday, November 18 and early morning of Friday, November 19.

Since the eclipse is so long, its peak is forecast to occur just after 4 am EST/ 2 am MST/ 1 am PST on Friday, November 19.

NASA

Most of the Americas will get the best show on the planet, with the full eclipse visible. It will also be seen in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.

The last time a partial lunar eclipse lasted longer was on February 18, 1440, when it lasted for three hours, 28 minutes, and 46 seconds.

If you choose to sit out on this one, you’re going to have to wait a few centuries to catch the next longest one. According to NASA, the next longest event that will surpass the length of this week’s will be on February 9, 2669.

So there you have it. It’ll be the longest partial lunar eclipse of our lifetimes by far. Happy moongazing!

Laine MitchellLaine Mitchell

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