There’s a ‘blood moon’ on the rise
STARGAZERS are in for a planetary feast this week with the 21st century’s longestrunning “blood moon” to top it off.
Tasmanian astronomer Shevill Mathers says a fiveplanet line-up is in the evening sky and Mars is the closest it has been for 15 years.
The spectacle will get even better in the early hours of Saturday, when there will be a rare total lunar eclipse.
“It has been a long wait for this eclipse,” said Mr Mathers.
The last was seen in 2014, and the next occasion is not due until May 2021.
The pre-dawn eclipse will be unusually long — starting at 5.30am and going until 7.13am. This will be the longest period for a total eclipse so far this century.
“The total phase of the lunar eclipse will last for 1 hour and 43 minutes, just four minutes short of the longest possible duration,” Mr Mathers said.
Mr Mathers said the total eclipse, known as a “blood moon”, would coincide with a near encounter with Mars.
“Mars will be keeping the eclipsed moon company just above and to the left of the moon,” he said.
“Looking low down in the western skies during the early hours of Saturday, the red planet Mars will be just above and to the left of the eclipsed moon.”
This week’s spectacle also includes a line-up of five planets because Jupiter and Saturn are on the same side as the sun.
“Look to the sky after sunset, and if you have a good view of both the eastern and western horizons you’ll see the planets stretched out in a line.
“Mars and Saturn will be rising in the east, Jupiter will sit high overhead, and bright Venus and faint Mercury will be setting in the west.”
The eclipse, when the moon appears darker as it enters the Earth’s shadow, will be viewable from Hobart — but clear skies are needed.
The total eclipse begins at 5.30am and ends at 7.13am with the moon close to the horizon.