Where to see the longest lunar eclipse of the century in Hong Kong tonight
More suggestions on where to go to see this natural phenomenon
Moongazers tonight will not have to venture far from the city to see this extraordinary event. On Saturday morning, the longest total lunar eclipse of this century will take place, and this natural phenomenon will be visible all over the world, including in Hong Kong.
The moon will enter the shadow of the Earth as our planet passes between the sun and the moon, and the full moon enters the umbra, which is a shadow cast by the Earth with the sun behind it. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the partial eclipse will begin around 2.24am, and the total eclipse will begin at 3.30am and end at 5.14am. Maxiumim eclipse will take place at approximately 4.22am.
The Hong Kong Observatory, the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre will jointly stream a webcast of the event here.
Catch the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century this weekend
Telescopes will also be set up at the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), Kowloon Park Piazza and Sha Tin Park Main Plaza by the Space Museum and other local astronomy organisations for the public to use to view the lunar eclipse.
Aside from those locations, Young Post spoke to the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre that suggested a few extra locations where you can go tonight if you don't want to fight the crowds.
“The eclipse will be highly visible, so viewers do not need to go to country parks to watch it, it can be seen in urban areas as well.” says Astronomy Officer Kenneith Hui Ho-keung.
The eclipse can also be seen from open areas with a clear view to the south and southwest, says Hui. Some of the location he suggests are Kowloon West, The Peak, Fei Ngor Shan, Hong Kong Gold Coast, Ma On Shan Promenade, Kwun Tong and Tai Mei Tuk.
Edited by Heidi Yeung