The longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century, also referred to as a “blood moon,” will be visible across most of the world Friday evening — except in North America.

The best views of the July 27 lunar eclipse will most likely be in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Africa and the Middle East, where the entire celestial event will be visible and uninhibited by clouds Friday evening.

Colloquially referred to as a “blood moon,” because of the reddish tint the moon has during the eclipse, the lunar eclipse will be visible from start to finish for three hours and 55 minutes starting at 3 p.m. E.T. The lunar eclipse’s totality, when the moon is totally covered by the earth’s shadow, will last for one hour and 43 minutes.

Read more