If you are in Qatar today and are an enthusiast of lunar eclipses, then today should be one of the best days of your entire life.

This is because the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century will be happening today and you can view it in its entirety tonight if you are in Qatar.

This will also be the last lunar eclipse of the year, according to a report in Gulf Times.

Tonight’s celestial phenomenon will be a rare occurrence as it will be the longest of the current century. The entire phenomenon, covering all its phases, is expected to last for six hours and 14 minutes.

The period of complete eclipse — known as ‘totality’ when the moon appears the darkest — will be one hour and 43 minutes long, according to Qatar Calendar House’s Astronomy Expert Dr Beshir Marzouk.

The total lunar eclipse will be visible throughout most of Asia (including Qatar), Africa, Europe, Australia, Southern America, and parts of Northern America.

An Astronomical double bill

The longest ‘blood moon’ eclipse of the century will also coincide with Mars’ closest approach in 15 years, giving aficionados an exciting astronomical double bill, according to The Peninsula.

Mars will likely appear as a very bright star, and viewers will need no protective eye gear.

Where to watch the lunar eclipse best

The eclipse will take place from Friday evening until Saturday morning. The penumbral phase of lunar eclipse will start over Qatar’s sky at 8.15pm local time. This phase is expected to be visible only by telescopes.

The partial phase will start at 9.24pm and the total phase at 10.30pm, while the maximum totality will be at 11.22pm; where Earth’s shadow will block 161% of full moon.

The total phase will be end after midnight, while the partial phase will end at 1.19am, Saturday. The penumbral phase will end at 2.28am.

The Moon will rise over Qatar’s sky at 6.09pm and will set on Saturday morning at 5.15am.