‘Blood moon’ total lunar eclipse to arrive on Tuesday

Those who don't see the moon on Tuesday will have to wait three years to see it again.

Those further west will be able to see the best view of the total lunar eclipse. It will be seen after sunset in Asia, Australia and the rest of the Pacific.

At that time, the moon will be visible just a finger's width above the planet.

As Earth passes between the moon and sun during the eclipse, it will take nearly 90 minutes for the total eclipse to be over.

A blood moon is when the moon is reddish-orange in the sky after sunset and sunrise. The moon will be almost three times as far away from Earth as previously thought.

Observers should hope for clear skies if they use binoculars and telescopes.

Africa, the Middle East and most of Europe will not be able to see the lunar eclipse because of the weather. They will either have to wait until the next one in 25 years or have a lot of lunar eclipses.

The second lunar eclipse of the year will take place on Tuesday.

The AP reported.