Get ready to experience the longest total lunar eclipse of the century tomorrow

Following January’s super blue blood moon eclipse, astronomy fans can look forward to another rare event taking place in the heavens on Saturday. In the wee hours of the morning of July 28, the moon is set to pass through the central part of the Earth’s shadow during the July lunar apogee, provoking an especially long-lasting total lunar eclipse of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It’s estimated this will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

According to officials at the Hong Kong Space Museum, this penumbral lunar eclipse will first appear at 1.13am. A partial lunar eclipse will occur at 2.24am before the main event – the maximum total lunar eclipse, when the moon will turn blood red – begins at 3.30am, lasting until approximately 5.14 am. As a bonus, astronomy fans will be delighted to know that during these separate phases, you’ll be able to see Mars next to the moon.

Asia is fortunate to be one of the parts of the planet that’ll be able to see the eclipse – the Americas will miss out entirely – so make sure you take advantage of this. The best views of the event will be those facing southwest. We suggest Lamma Island, Cheung Chau or south Lantau for the clearest viewing points with little light pollution. By Sarah Moran