Lunar eclipse: Longest 'blood moon' of the century

The longest "blood moon" eclipse this century will coincide with Mars' closest approach in 15 years today to offer skygazers a thrilling astronomical double bill. Viewers will need no protective eye gear to observe the spectacle -- unlike when watching solar eclipse. The celestial spectacle, which would be seen in its entirety from all parts of India, last for 1 hour 43 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse of this century (2001 AD to 2100 AD), the Ministry of Earth Science had said.