India: Longest lunar eclipse tonight

27 July 2018:

The century's much-awaited longest lunar eclipse is set to occur on Friday night as the moon moves into the shadow of the earth.  For curious sky gazers, another rare astronomical spectacle awaits as planet Mars will be very close to the moon on the same night.

Astronomers say Mars will be visible with the naked eye. Total Lunar Eclipse, also called Chandra Grahan, happens when the earth takes position in a straight line between the moon and the sun. The eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the earth, the moon and the sun are in perfect alignment, blanketing the moon in the earth's shadow, says NASA.

In total lunar eclipse, the direct sunlight is completely blocked by the earth's shadow. The total phase of this lunar eclipse is also known as a 'Blood Moon'. At least two lunar eclipses happen every year. Lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or special precautions, as they are dimmer than the Full Moon.

In India, lunar eclipse will be visible from 10.44 pm of Friday and it will last till 4.58 am of July 28. The Blood Moon will be seen from 1 am to 2.43 am. This will be the century's longest lunar eclipse with duration of one hour 43 minutes.