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What is a blood moon, when is the total lunar eclipse in July 2018 and how can I see it in the UK?

On Friday, the UK will witness a total lunar eclipse blood moon in the night sky.

The astronomical phenomenon will be entirely visible across the UK, and stargazers will have plenty of time to marvel at the sight, with this blood moon being one of the longest of the century, lasting one hour and 43 minutes.

But what exactly is a blood moon, what time will you be able to see it and why do some people think it means the end of the world?

What is a blood moon?

A "blood moon" is used to describe a lunar eclipse when the moon passes through the earth's shadow and sunlight filtered through the earth's atmosphere bounces back onto the moon's surface.

Because the light waves are stretched out, they appear red when they strike the moon's surface.

This is what gives the moon its reddish tinge which, whilst not "blood" red as its name suggests, has a copper-like colour.

The super blue blood moon rises over Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, on January 30, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)
The super blue blood moon rises over Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, on January 30, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)

When can I watch the blood moon?

What time you can see the blood moon will depend on what city you're in.

In London, the eclipse will not be visible until after 8:50pm BST.

Maximum eclipse, when the moon is closest to the centre of the earth's shadow, will happen at 9:21pm BST.

The further North you are, the longer you will have to wait for moonrise.

Unlike a solar eclipse, the blood moon is visible to the naked eye, but grab yourself a telescope if you want a closer look.

Where can I see the blood moon?

Because the entire moon will be visible across the UK, you can catch it anywhere outside.

For the best view, experts advise you find an open, unobstructed space with a clear view of the southeastern horizon, since this is the direction from which the moon will rise.

If you'd rather watch the lunar eclipse from the comfort of your own home, the Royal Observatory Greenwhich will be live-streaming the event.

The phases of the moon during the super blue blood moon on January 31, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)
The phases of the moon during the super blue blood moon on January 31, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images)

What are the apocalypse theories?

Some people believe that the blood moon will signal the end of time.

The doomsday theory has biblical origins in the Book of Joel, Acts 2:20 and Revelation 6:12.

Here, it is written: "the sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord comes."

Despite modern interpretations proclaiming the blood moon as the day of reckoning, such as John Hagee's bestseller, Four Blood Moons, astronomers have continuously rubbished such claims.

However, this isn't stopping conspiracists from warning that the end of the world is just days away...

When is the next blood moon?

If you miss this blood moon, the next one is due on January 21, 2019 and the entire moon will be visible from the UK.