July will see the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. But that’s not all: Mars will then come extremely close to Earth.

It is a sky spectacle that happens very rarely: A total lunar eclipse – which lasts longer than one and a half hours – and besides, the red planet Mars is as close to the Earth as rarely. In good weather you can look forward to a special spectacle: the so-called blood moon.

July 27th is the day. But first things first!

At 8.24 p.m. the moon enters the umbra of the Earth, then the Earth is between the Moon and Sun. The shadow of the Earth moves over the Moon: Firs,t the shadow covers only the edge, later the whole Moon lies in the shadow – then there is a total lunar eclipse.

From 9.30 to 11.14 pm the moon is completely in the shadow of the Earth – for one hour and 44 minutes, there is a total lunar eclipse. This lunar eclipse duration is only surpassed again on 9 June 2123 – by two minutes.

The lunar eclipse will stretch across most of Europe and Asia, Australia, Africa and part of South America. North and central Americans won’t be able to see the eclipse.

The “Blood Moon” Glows Dark Red

In the phase of total darkness, the Moon appears weak dark red shining – because not all the light of the Sun is shielded from the Earth. Experts speak of a long-wave light that bends around the Earth and makes the moon appear dark red. That is why this phenomenon is also called the blood moon.

▶ A map of locations where the total lunar eclipse of July 27 and 28, 2018, will be visible.

A double expousure picture shows the moon and the monument of The Savior of The World during a total lunar eclipse as seen from San Salvador, El Salvador on December 21, 2010. This eclipse takes place just hours before the December solstice, which marks the beginning of northern winter and southern summer. AFP PHOTO/ Jose CABEZAS (Photo credit should read Jose CABEZAS/AFP/Getty Images)

End of the world fears as ‘longest Blood Moon of century’ to spark apocalypse NEXT WEEK

 Preacher Saying The Blood moon is the end of TIMES.

Christian preacher Paul Begley has revealed the full lunar eclipse on July 27 will see us enter the end of time on Earth.

Mr Begley, along with others, believes the astronomical event was foretold by the Book of Revelation, Book of Acts and Book of Joel in the Bible.

He revealed to viewers on his YouTube channel how we have seen warning signs over recent months including ongoing eruptions, hurricanes and earthquakes.

He said: “We have the longest Blood Moon of the century – 103 minutes.

“Remember the previous Blood Moons of 2014 and 2015 that landed during Passover and in between two solar eclipses?

“Well this is different, it will happen in the middle of two partial solar eclipses.

“So there is apocalyptic signs.”

According to the pastor, a combination of “weird events” happening all around the globe is linked to the nearing end of the world and Judgement Day.

The preacher often cites Biblical passages from the Book of Revelation which speaks of the moon becoming “as blood” before the end times.

But he does not think the world will end on Friday.

He previously admitted: “July 27 is not the end of the world but it is a sign of the end times because you already are in the end times.

“There are way too many prophecies in play here, so that’s a fact. We’re in the end times.

“The Blood Moon is definitely a prophetic sign.”

The lunar eclipse occurs naturally twice a year but Mr Begley thinks that a series of coinciding events and anniversaries are too important to dismiss.

A similar conspiracy was popularised in 2014 by American pastors Mark Biltz and John Hagee.

The duo claimed that four consecutive Blood Moons between April 15, 2014, and September 28, 2015, were proof of a Biblical prophecy.