Pull out your telescopes, picnic blankets and baskets, and set out to watch 2019's last lunar eclipse on the night of July 16 and 17. Bear witness to the partial lunar eclipse - when the Earth's shadow covers, darkens, and possibly even reddens a portion of the Moon - before you have to wait another couple of years for this phenomenon to reoccur. 

A lunar eclipse - whether partial, full, or penumbral - only occurs during a full moon; a total lunar eclipse, specifically, happens when the Moon, Sun, and Earth align. 

For this year's final partial eclipse, one that makes it seem like Earth is "taking a bite out of the Moon," it will be observed by the majority of the world - with the exception of Northern America and some parts of Europe and Asia. 

The Arab region, though, will be encompassed entirely by the partial eclipse. The latter will reach all cities and countries in the MENA region.

For a special day for Saudi Arabia, specifically, two occurrences will be taking place on July 16. According to scientists and astronomers, the Sun will perfectly align vertically above the holy Kaaba in Mecca around noon, and the country will get to witness the partial lunar eclipse at night. 

For those interested in following the eclipse - which will take as long as five hours to be completed - approximate timings are available for each country. Here are some locations and their timings:

  • Cairo, Egypt (and the majority of Northern African countries):

Begins July 16th at 20:43 p.m.

Peaks July 16th at 23:30 p.m.

Ends July 17th at 2:17 a.m.

Begins July 16th at 21:43 p.m.

Peaks July 17th at 00:30 a.m.

Ends July 17th at 3:17 a.m.
Begins July 16th at 22:43 p.m.
                          
Peaks July 17th at 1:30 a.m.

Ends July 17th at 4:17 a.m.
Begins July 16th at 19:43 p.m.

Peaks July 16th at 22:30 p.m.

Ends July 17th at 1:17 a.m.

Some eerie coincidences are also happening

The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is the last visible one to occur until the year 2021. To make things more exciting, it happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 ship exploit into space - the famous one that resulted in the first human landing on the moon. 

As for astrology and its wide crowd of fans in the Arab world, tonight's occurrence stands significant for the Cancer-Capricorn axis. 

According to astrology (or Elite Daily), a full moon lunar eclipse means it's time to let go of unnecessary things in life. While a new moon solar eclipse means it's time for a fresh start. 

Enjoy the show wherever you are. And most importantly, don't fake the photos you'll be posting online.