Blood moon 2018 in London: Astronomer reveals best spots to catch lunar eclipse - and why apocalypse theories are 'stupid'

A previous 'blood moon' lunar eclipse above London's Shard
PA Archive/PA Images
James Morris25 July 2018

A leading fellow at a London university today tells of his excitement ahead of Friday’s “blood moon” lunar eclipse as he reveals the best places to see it in London.

Dr Francisco Diego, senior teaching fellow at University College London’s (UCL) physics and astronomy department, says this particular eclipse will be "spectacular" as it lasts much longer than normal.

Dr Diego said: “The lunar eclipse happens more or less every six months but Friday’s will be much longer than usual as the moon will stay in the shadow of the earth much longer.”

The blood moon will be one of the longest eclipses of the 21st century, at one hour and 43 minutes.

“The alignment between the moon and earth has to be nearly perfect,” Dr Diego explains. “If this was the case all the time, we’d have eclipses every month.”

Dr Diego, who appeared on Stephen Hawking’s Universe TV show, advises: “It’s something which can be viewed safely with the naked eye, no problem.

Dr Francisco Diego is a senior teaching fellow at UCL's department of physics and astronomy
Dr Francisco Diego

“It will be quite spectacular, especially with a pair of binoculars. You will be able to see the shape and shadow of the earth, and the colour of the moon, much better because it will appear brighter through the lens.”

The eclipse, which will be visible from 8.50pm, will happen when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow.

Friday's 'blood moon' lunar eclipse will last one hour and 43 minutes
AFP/Getty Images

Sunlight filtered through the earth’s atmosphere will bounce back onto the moon’s surface, giving it a “blood” red tinge.

And Dr Diego addresses the question his students have been asking him all week. Where are the best spots in London to catch the eclipse?

“The moon will be very low,” he explains, so you really need a clear, unobstructed horizon.

“So I would suggest places in north London like Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Alexandra Palace. If the sky is clear, there is going to be a lot of people out.

“I would also suggest Crystal Palace in south London, which has a fantastic view.”

Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath will be one of the best places to watch Friday's lunar eclipse ( Yui Mok/PA)
Yui Mok/PA

As usual, Friday’s lunar eclipse has come with the usual apocalypse theories that the world will end.

Dr Diego sighs: “These come quite often. It’s one of the dangers of the internet, when people write very stupid things, and there’s no control of it. And some people actually believe it.”

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