7 Photos Of Rare Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon, The Longest Since 1440

ACROSS AMERICA — A partial lunar eclipse was visible in all 50 states late Thursday and early Friday morning. These rare lunar events occur when Earth, the sun and moon are perfectly or very closely aligned, and the moon moves into our planet's shadow.

What makes this lunar eclipse so unusual is the entire event lasted about six hours, making it the longest eclipse since Feb. 18, 1440, according to Smithsonian magazine. Another one this long won't occur until Feb. 8, 2669. The peak lasted 3 hours and 28 seconds.

If you're like us and bummed you missed the rare blood moon, take a look below at the jaw-dropping images captured by Associated Press photographers.

The Earth's shadow covers the full moon early Friday morning during a partial lunar eclipse visible near a statue of George Washington atop Baltimore's Washington Monument. The statue, carved by sculptor Enrico Causici, depicts Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief, which also is seen on a painting by artist John Trumbull.

The Earth's shadow covers the full moon during a partial lunar eclipse as it sets beyond the U.S. flag on top of a building in downtown Kansas City.

People in downtown Kansas City had stunning views of the eclipse.

The lunar eclipse lasted just over six hours, making it the longest-lasting partial lunar eclipse in 581 years.

The moon sets beyond an apartment building in downtown Kansas City.

The leaves of a tree are seen with the partial lunar eclipse as a backdrop in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.