Lunar Eclipse June 15: Most beautiful and longest in a decade

Combination photo shows the moon as it undergoes a total lunar eclipse as

seen from Jerusalem June 15, 2011.

Source: Reuters

The total lunar eclipse that took place on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, is the most beautiful total and the longest lunar eclipse the people of this world has seen in a decade.

The total lunar eclipse was visible for over 100 minutes in different parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. The partial eclipse lasted for three hours and 40 minutes.

A combination photo shows the gradual total lunar eclipse as seen over the
skies of Belgrade June 15, 2011.
Source: Reuters

People in Australia, Singapore, India were among the first to see the beautiful lunar eclipse. The people in the UK, different countries in Europe and Africa also witnessed the rare moment.

However, people in North America failed to see the lunar eclipse live, with their own eyes as it ended shortly before 7 p.m. EST.

According to astronomers, only 3 lunar eclipses in the past decade have rivaled the beauty and duration of what people witnessed on Wednesday.

On July 16, 2000, a lunar eclipse lasted 107 minutes.

A lunar eclipse is different from a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse darkens the moon but a lunar eclipse gives the moon an orange or reddish hue because the sun rays are able to pass through the Earth's atmosphere.

News published on Jun 16, 2011 12:56 AM EDT sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com