BlOOD Moon, the 21st Century’s longest lunar eclipse, was witnessed on Friday

The longest Total Lunar Eclipse of the 21st century was visible on July 27, 2018 from most of the world, except for North America. Those who had the opportunity of watching the rare phenomenon of the cosmic world consider themselves blessed and treasure it as a memorable event in their lives. A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and covers the Moon with its shadow. When this happens, the Moon can turn red and is nicknamed Blood Moon. The Moon may get a red glow during a total lunar eclipse following Earth casting its shadow on the Moon. Total eclipses of the Moon happen at Full Moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned to form a line. India’s Earth Science Department had issued advisory informing sky gazers that the celestial spectacle would be seen in its entirety from all parts of India lasting for 1 hour 43 minutes making it the longest total lunar eclipse of this century from 2001 AD to 2100 AD. No extra eye cover was necessary to watch the rare phenomenon. The total eclipse lasted 1 hour, 42 minutes and 57 seconds, though a partial eclipse preceded and follows meaning the moon spent a total of nearly 4 hours in the Earth’s umbral shadow, says NASA.The fullest eclipse was visible from Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia and Australia though clouds blocked out the moon in some places. North America missed out on this lunar eclipse but NASA says North America can look forward to the next one on January 21, 2019 .The next lunar eclipse of such a length is due in 2123.The believers among the Hindu community refrained from performing any puja and other auspicious functions on the day. However, Guru Purnima to pay respects to spiritual and academic teachers who shaped their careers was permitted before 1400 hrs IST.