The world is gearing for a rare phenomenal tonight, a Blood Moon, also known as a lunar eclipse, that will be on the rise between 8:14 pm – 2:48 am.

People around the world will be able to catch a glimpse of the 2018 lunar eclipse, which will linger for about six hours,14 minutes making it the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

Total Lunar Eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth, moon and sun are in perfect alignment, blanketing the moon in the Earth’s shadow. During the eclipse the sunlight filters through the earth before illuminating the moon, giving the moon a deep red color, hence the name; blood moon.

Astronomers also say Mars will be visible with the naked eye.

BLOOD MOON 2018 IN TURKANA, KENYA

The total lunar eclipse will be experienced in much of Europe, much of Asia, Australia, Africa, South in North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica.

In Kenya however, according to the geographical website timeanddate.com, Omenyangamong area in Turkana is the only location where the total lunar eclipse will be experienced. According to the site, the skies will be darkest at 23:21.

According to NASA, doctors have certified that Lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or special precautions as they are dimmer than the full Moon.

POPULAR MYTHS ABOUT LUNAR ECLIPSE

There has been plenty of myths across different cultures in the globe regarding the lunar eclipse.

A popular South African myth is that the Sun and Moon fight during a lunar eclipse. People must pray so that these celestial bodies resolve their conflict.

In the United States the superstition has been that an eclipse is a “sign of an apocalypse”. Some scholars say that it stems from the Bible. According to Joel 2:31: “The Sun will turn to darkness, and the Moon to blood before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.”