On Friday night (July 27), you will be able to see the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. The rare celestial phenomenon will last up to little more than six hours and will be visible across several cities in India.

The total lunar eclipse is also called the Blood Moon.

What is the Blood Moon?

The moon orbits around the earth, which in turn revolves around the sun. However, at times, the sun, the earth and the moon align themselves in a straight line, leading to a lunar eclipse.

blood moon
A picture taken on January 31, 2018 shows the moon rising behind a mountain during a lunar eclipse, referred to as the 'super blue blood moon' near Syria-Turkey border at the Hassa district in Hatay. Stargazers across large swaths of the globe had the chance to witness a rare 'super blue blood Moon' on January 31, 2018, when Earth's shadow bathed our satellite in a coppery hue. The celestial show was the result of the Sun, Earth, and Moon lining up perfectly for a lunar eclipse just as the Moon is near its closest orbit point to Earth, making it appear 'super' large.OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images

 As a result, the satellite of the earth falls under its shadow and the usual white moon takes on a reddish hue. This phenomenon is also called the Blood Moon.

Time of Lunar eclipse in India

In India, the eclipse is estimated to begin at 10:44 pm on Friday and will continue till 4:58 am on Saturday (July 28).

blood moon
The moon is seen during a lunar eclipse referred to as the 'super blue blood moon', in Kolkata on January 31, 2018. Skywatchers were hoping for a rare lunar eclipse that combines three unusual events -- a blue moon, a super moon and a total eclipse -- which was to make for a large crimson moon viewable in many corners of the globe.DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images

The total lunar eclipse, wherein the moon will be completely in the shadow of the Earth is expected to begin at 1 am IST and last till 2:43 am. This is the time when the moon will appear to be red and ochre.

Where can you see the Lunar Eclipse in India?

blood moon
A combination of pictures taken and created on January 31, 2018 in Islamabad shows the moon during a lunar eclipse, referred to as the 'super blue blood moon'. Skywatchers were hoping for a rare lunar eclipse that combines three unusual events -- a blue moon, a super moon and a total eclipse -- which was to make for a large crimson moon viewable in many corners of the globe. AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images
 

The Lunar Eclipse will be visible in major cities like Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Mumbai. While residents of Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Allahabad can go to the Nehru Planetarium to witness the lunar eclipse, citizens of Kolkata and Chennai can watch the rare celestial phenomenon at Birla Planetariums.

However, as the lunar eclipse sighting might be hindered due to pollution, smog and cloud cover, interested people are advised to drive out to the outskirts of their cities to get a clear vision of the Chandra Grahan.

blood moon
The moon is seen during a lunar eclipse referred to as the 'super blue blood moon', in Kolkata on January 31, 2018. Skywatchers were hoping for a rare lunar eclipse that combines three unusual events -- a blue moon, a super moon and a total eclipse -- which was to make for a large crimson moon viewable in many corners of the globe DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images

Bengalureans can opt for popular night trekking destinations like Skandagiri, Sidara Betta and Antara Gange.

Night treks are also available in Mumbai and Delhi if you want to get the best view of the eclipse.