World witnesses longest-ever 'blood moon' eclipse of 21st Century

The world witnessed a Blood Moon or total lunar eclipse, the longest of the 21st Century. The century's longest total lunar eclipse, which began on July 27, lasted till the early hours of July 28.

According to NASA, the total lunar eclipse lasted for close to one hour and 43 minutes, starting late at night and continued till the early hours of July 28.The rare celestial event could be seen in its entirety from all parts of India.

"This total lunar eclipse is significant because it is the longest," Director of Delhi's Nehru Planetarium, Ratnashree, told ANI.

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At some point, when the moon moves into earth's shadow, the sunlight passing throughEarth's atmosphere turns the moon red.

In Varanasi, devoteestook a dip in the Holy Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

The so-called "blood moon," when it turns a deep red, was visible at different times in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America when the sun, Earth and moon line up perfectly, casting Earth's shadow on the moon.

In a special treat, Mars is also at its closest approach to Earth this week since 2003, making it appear bigger and brighter.

Excited skywatchers on social media shared photos of the bright planet just to the right of the moon.