Longest lunar eclipse of the century

The longest and darkest total lunar eclipse of the century occurred today, giving sky enthusiasts all over the country an opportunity to witness the event.

Jun 16, 2011 01:22 IST
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    The Earth casts its shadow over the moon in a total lunar eclipse as seen in Manila, Philippines before dawn Thursday June 16, 2011. The total lunar eclipse was visible in most parts of Asia. (Photo courtesy:AP)
  • Advertisement
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    A series of photos show the earth casts its shadow over the moon in a total lunar eclipse that was observed in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo courtesy: PTI)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    A view of lunar eclipse seen over Taj Mahal in Agra on late Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy: PTI)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    People perform Ganga Arti ahead of the lunar eclipse at Sangam in Allahabad on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: PTI)
  • Advertisement
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye.(Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    Observers in Europe will miss the first part of the show because it will occur before the moon rises. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon glides through the long shadow cast by the Earth and is blocked from the sunlight that illuminates it. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Advertisement
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    Portions of South America will be able see the moon entirely shrouded. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    The 100 minute period of totality is said to be the longest since 2000 according to Astronomers. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    A lunar eclipse in progress in Harare, Zimbabwe Wednesday, June, 15, 2011. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Advertisement
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    In this 6-picture combo the earth casts its shadow over the moon (beginning top left) in a total lunar eclipse as seen Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Photo courtesy: AP)
  • Longest lunar eclipse of the century
    A partially eclipsed moon rises on the sky over Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, June 15, 2011. The total lunar eclipse was visible throughout most parts of Europe on Wednesday evening. (Photo courtesy: AP)