Malaysians can witness this century's longest-ever lunar eclipse on July 28

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama): Malaysians will be able to witness the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century with their own eyes on Saturday (July 28), says the National Space Agency (Angkasa).

Angkasa deputy director-general Samsuddin Omar said this was the second lunar eclipse this year, and would be visible in Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe and South America beginning 1.14am and ending at 7.28am.

"The total eclipse phase will last for 1 hour 42 minutes 57 seconds, which makes it the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century (2001 to 2100).

"The longest possible period for a full moon eclipse is 1 hour 47 minutes," he said in a statement earlier this month.

In this particular eclipse, the moon will pass through the central part of the Earth's umbral shadow.

– Bernama

The statement added that Malaysians could witness the lunar eclipse from anywhere in the country depending on local weather conditions, with the best location in the west.

"However, not all places in Malaysia will be able to see the entire seven phases of the eclipse," it said.

The cities where the phenomenon can be witnessed in full are Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.

Meanwhile, Angkasa will be organising an event to allow the public to observe the phenomenon from 10pm, July 27 to 6.30am the next day at the Langkawi National Observatory and the Bukit Malut Dam on the island. – Bernama