The longest near-total lunar eclipse of the century is happening tonight and Christchurch has a prime position to see it with clear skies forecast.

The shadow of the earth will begin to move across the moon’s face from about 8pm.

It will be 97% covered with shadow by 10pm. At that moment, the lunar surface will briefly turn red.

The near-total eclipse will finish its three-and-a-half-hour journey just prior to midnight.

Stardome Observatory said the best time for viewing will be at 10pm when it reaches the peak.

NASA predicts the eclipse will last over 3 hours and 28 minutes.

That would make it the longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years, according to the Holcomb Observatory at Butler University.

The eclipse will also be available to watch below: