WATCH: Kurdistan joins world to see longest ‘blood moon’ eclipse of the century

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The people of the Kurdistan Region join other parts of the world on Friday night to observe the longest-lasting so-called “blood moon” lunar eclipse of the century as the Earth's shadow turns the moon crimson for nearly two hours.

It is expected to take place after 10:00 pm local time, according to astronomers, with many people heading out to parks to observe the natural phenomenon.

“I am here with my family to see the lunar eclipse,” Lanja Ahmed told Kurdistan 24 during a live broadcast from Erbil's Minaret Park, the site of the 12th century Mudhafaria Minaret. “It is the longest blood moon lunar eclipse and we don’t want to miss it.”

Local groups have provided magnification devices to look through for people in some parks so they can watch the entire process while others live stream it on big screens where people gather.

With over 90 percent of the local population Muslim, in many mosques across the Kurdistan Region, people are prepared to hold eclipse prayers.

The best view is expected to be from eastern Africa, the Middle East, India, and western China. Fairly good views should be seen in western Africa, Europe, other parts of Asia, Australia and eastern South America. Stargazers in North America and Greenland will have to wait until the next lunar eclipse.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, when it is still dangerous to look at the sun, the moon never gets bright enough to cause danger to observers' eyes.

Editing by John J. Catherine