The Curious Mind

Lunar eclipse The longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century occurs on July 27 – this is what you need to know. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire Moon enters Earth’s shadow. The July 27 eclipse will last for 1 hour and 43 minutes, according to NASA . The Moon will turn a red or ruddy-brown color during the “blood moon eclipse,” Space.com reports. Skywatchers in the U.S will not be able to enjoy the rare event, unless they are willing to travel. The eclipse will be mainly visible in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia as well as some parts of South America. “For an especially long-lasting total lunar eclipse of 1 hour and 43 minutes to occur, the moon has to pass through the central part of the Earth’s shadow,” explains EarthSky. “The previous total lunar eclipse on January 31, 2018, didn’t last as long (1 hour and 16 minutes) because the moon passed to the south of shadow’s center; and the next total lunar eclipse on January 21, 2019 , won’t be as long eith...

Chief Michael Obi, 74, is the father of professional footballer and Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi. He recently regained freedom from kidnappers for the second time. In this interview, the Jos-based transporter recalls his terrifying five-day experience, reasons why his famous son rarely comes home, and more.  You recently regained your freedom from kidnappers. Can you share your experience? Chief Michael Obi:  I was travelling home for a family meeting, early evening, in Enugu. I’d just reminded my driver to stop at the Ninth Mile to buy Okpa in case I fall asleep. Not quite long after a checkpoint, we heard gunshots ahead of us, so we stopped. My driver reckoned it was armed robbers, and tried to reverse the car. But another car from nowhere blocked us from behind, and the people within came and dragged us out. The kidnappers were six, well-armed and masked. They assaulted us, and dragged us into the bush. We walked for many hours, and when I complained tha...

Brazilian super star Ronaldinho could tie the knot in August with his two 'fiancees' Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza. The two women are said to have been living 'harmoniously' with the former Barcelona star since December at his £5million Rio de Janeiro mansion. Ronaldinho, who is claimed to be “adept at polygamy”, started dating Beatriz in 2016 but continued his relationship with Priscilla, which began several years earlier. The women reportedly receive an “allowance” of around £1,500 from the footballer to spend as they wish. And it is claimed he always gives the two the exact same presents, including recently buying them matching perfume during a trip abroad together. Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho asked both for their hand in marriage in January last year and gave them both engagement rings, according to Brazilian columnist Leo Dias. He will marry the two women at a private ceremony inside the Santa Monica condominium, in the upmark...

Arsenal’s longest serving manager, Arsene Wenger, has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season. Wenger Wenger revealed this in a statement published on the club’s official website on Friday morning. It reads: “After a careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season. “I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. “I managed the club with full commitment and integrity. “I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special. “I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. “To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club. “My love and support for ever.”

A FedEx employee was injured early Tuesday after a package explosion, believed to be bound for Austin and linked to previous bombings in the state’s capital, detonated at a distribution center in Schertz, Texas. The Schertz Police Department confirmed on Facebook that they responded to an explosion at the facility, which they determined came from the sorting area. NBC affiliate WOAI reported the package detonated while being transported from an upper conveyor belt to a lower one. The package contained nails and shrapnel, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.  The Washington Post  reports that the package was believed to have been headed for Austin, the site of four previous bombings. Police said “one person was treated and released at the scene.” The fire department added that the worker suffered a “non life threatening percussion type injury.” FBI San Antonio spokeswoman Michelle Lee said “we suspect it is re...