Friday’s lunar eclipse, aka “blood moon,” will be the longest of the century.
According to Accuweather:
The total phase of the eclipse will last for an impressive 1 hour and 43 minutes, while the entire eclipse, including the partial phases, will last for over 6 hours.
One reason why this eclipse is lasting so long is because it is occurring when the moon is near apogee, or the point in its orbit when it is farthest away from the Earth, making it appear smaller than normal.
This is sometimes referred to as a “micromoon,” and is the opposite of the well-known supermoon, or perigee (when the moon is at its closest to Earth).
Another factor that is playing a role in the eclipse’s duration is the path that the moon is taking through the Earth’s shadow. During Friday’s eclipse, the moon will be passing almost directly through the middle of the shadow, maximizing the time that moon spends in darkness.
The next time there is a total lunar eclipse this long will not be until June 9, 2123.
Many in charismatic circles see the blood moon phenomenon as a sign of the end times.
The Old Testament prophet Joel wrote: “The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awe-inspiring day of the Lord comes” (Joel 2:31).
