Top 8 spots to see the Lunar Eclipse this weekend in SA
South Africans are in for a treat this weekend, as a total lunar eclipse will be taking place and these will be some of the best places to watch it!
South Africa is getting the chance to see a total lunar eclipse on the 27th of July, that is this weekend! The eclipse will last for one hour and 43 minutes, making it the longest lunar eclipse of the whole 21st century. However, the moon will be at its smallest on this night.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that cannot be missed! According to NASA, it is taking place on the 27th of July starting at around 7 pm, the full lunar eclipse will be visible around 10 pm and end just after midnight.
You will also be able to see Mars and the Milky Way which will be to the left of the moon. With the light of the moon blocked by earth’s shadow, stars not often visible to the naked eye will be visible as well.
If you are not an astronomer and want to get a real chance to see something magical, there are a number of events taking place where you will be able to view the total lunar eclipse like the pros.
For details on what time it will be visible in your area, check here by adding your location. Below are some of the events.
These are the events planned around the lunar eclipse.
Cape Town City Centre
- V&A Waterfront along with the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), will be offering the public a free guided tour with an array of telescopes along the route, to view the stars and moon above. The event kicks off at 6 PM, from the Flag Pole Terrace. You can find out more here.
Stellenbosch
- Members of the Orion Observation Astronomy Group will be hosting a presentation explaining the phenomenon and various members will set up telescopes at Dirtopia Trail Centre and Café on Delvera. The eclipse will be streamed on-screen in the cafe in case of bad weather. This event is ticketed, you can find out more here.
Hermanus
- The Hermanus Astronomy Centre is setting up telescopes at in the parking terrain of NG Kerk Onrusrivier from 20:00 pm. You can get more info by emailing them here.
Wilderness
- The Wildfarm is hosting a Total Lunar Eclipse Party weekend. The only cost is the camping entrance. For more information, see their Facebook page here.
Johannesburg
- The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) will be meeting from 18:00 pm at the Johannesburg Observatory, on the hilltop at 18A Gill Street, Observatory. There is a small donation fee to join the festivities. You can find out more here.
- The Total Lunar Eclipse Festival will be taking place at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club. This is a ticketed event, for more information, check out their Facebook page here.
Magaliesburg
- MelonRouge eatery will be setting up telescopes and hosting a talk. This is a ticketed event, for more information, check out their Facebook page here.
Bronkhorstspruit
- The Geek Hiking Club will be camping out in the bush to watch the total lunar eclipse. For more information, check out their Facebook page here.