The Moon moved into the shadow of the Earth on November 19, 2021, resulting in a partial lunar eclipse that appeared to be nearly total. The longest lunar eclipse of the century began on Thursday and lasted for over six hours, till 5:33 p.m. IST. The Sun and Moon were aligned with the planet, preventing sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.
“At 3 hours, 28 minutes and 23 seconds, it’s the longest partial lunar eclipse in a millennium,” NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) said.
“There hasn’t been a longer partial lunar eclipse since February 18, 1440 (3 hours, 28 minutes, 46 seconds),” according to NASA, “and it will remain the longest partial lunar eclipse for 648 years until February 8, 2669 (3 hours, 30 minutes, and 2 seconds).”
It was the year’s last lunar eclipse. On November 8, 2022, there will be a longer total lunar eclipse.
Here are some intriguing lunar eclipse questions:
What is a lunar eclipse?
When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow, creating a lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon is engulfed by the umbra, the darkest component of Earth’s shadow. Up to 99.1% of the Moon’s disc will be within Earth’s umbra during this eclipse.
What does a lunar eclipse look like?
During a lunar eclipse, the Moon turns crimson. The Moon turns red during a lunar eclipse because the only sunlight reaching it travels through Earth’s atmosphere.
When was the last total lunar eclipse?
The most recent total lunar eclipse occurred on May 26, 2021.
The final phases of the partial lunar eclipse will be visible in northeast India. Parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and other neighbouring states will see the eclipse.
