The world will witness a total lunar eclipse today, the last of the two lunar eclipses and the final one of the year 2011.

The total lunar eclipse, lasting for 52 minutes, will unveil a magnificent phenomenon in the skies and will provide a festive occasion for amateur astronomers the world over. It will be the longest lunar eclipse till 2018.

Unfolding at 5.02 pm IST, the eclipse will last till 11.02 pm but the eclipsed moon will slowly commence emerging out of the shadows from 8.28 pm. During the eclipse, the moon will turn copper-red or blood red as the Earth’s shadow falls on it.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting the moon in its shadow. 
The totally eclipsed moon will change its colour as it absorbs the blue and green parts of the solar spectrum. The red glow of moon will be the result of light from all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth. No telescopes are necessary to enjoy the eclipse, but binoculars will make it clearer. (JUBS)