Cancel your Friday night plans because some really spooky stuff is about to go down.

According to the astrological forces that be, a major lunar eclipse is about to hit us this Friday night and it’s going to be a big one.

You know… if you believe in that kind of thing.

Set to happen in the early hours of Saturday morning, July 28, the sun, Earth and moon will be in perfect alignment, resulting in a Blood Moon.

However, there’s a couple of other elements at play that are said to make this full moon special.

– Doomsayers think it’s a sign of the apocalypse. Oh dear.
– Mars will be in the same position as the moon which will (apparently) wreak havoc on our emotions.
– It’s a Blood Moon.

And if all these terms sound like nonsensical mush, then please let us explain.

What is the significance of this lunar eclipse?

On average, lunar eclipses happen from one to four times a year, but it’s rare for them to happen in July. This particular lunar eclipse is also expected to be the longest eclipse of the 21st century, coming in at one hour and 43 minutes.

For the avid sky watcher, five planets – Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury will also be visible in the night sky.

And then you have the doomsayers. Yep.

Certain *ahem* well-rounded individuals have dubbed this astronomical movement to be part of a greater apocalyptic prophecy. Giver of Youtube sermons, Indiana Pastor Paul Begley said God told him this Blood Moon could signify the end of the world.

“Everything I’m saying is the truth, the facts, and it is a fact that Joel Chapter 2 says the sun will be darkened and the moon shall turn into blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord shall come,” he said.

“It is a fact the scripture says in Acts 2 that the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall turn to blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”

Oh goodie.

Will the total lunar eclipse affect my mood?

It very well could and this is where Mars comes in.

It’s believed that since the planet of energy, emotion and action will mirror the position of the moon, it’s impact will be strongly felt.

Quoting Astrologer Jamie Partridge of Astrology King, Bustle states this will result in an “emotionally challenging eclipse.”

“Mars’ anger and frustration could easily turn to reckless actions because of a harsh aspect to Uranus,” he says.

Previously speaking to Mamamia, energy consultant and mindfulness mentor, Lynette Arkadie, told us Mercury Retrograde will also amplify the effects of the eclipse.

“This translates into more emotions and old subconscious energy,” she said, stating that rising tempers, meltdowns and outbursts could become more frequent.

“This energy asks us to take a deep breath – connect to ourselves and asks us to decide ‘what next’. We will need to slow everything down, reflect and review before going forward.”

“When this energy comes up, here is the plan – stop, breathe and move the feelings through your body. Don’t act on it straight away.”

The Mamamia Out Loud team discuss supermoons and how it affects our moods.

Now, how do I view the lunar eclipse?

If this all sounds like absolute and utter malarkey, then come this Friday night you can treat yourself to a nice clear view of the lunar eclipse and Blood Moon.

Sitting in the Eastern Hemisphere, Australia will be in prime viewing position and given that it’s a lunar eclipse, we won’t need special glasses or protective equipment to view the moon. For the exact time you can watch the eclipse in your city, you can check the location on NASA’s eclipse website.

We’ll see you on the flip side.

What do you think of the blood moon and lunar eclipse? Just a nice astronomical movement, or is there something more? Tell us in a comment.