Partial lunar eclipse in India: What you need to know
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth gets in the way of the Sun and the Moon. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)
A lunar eclipse, known as Chandra Grahan, is set to grace the skies of India just two weeks following the solar eclipse on October 14. This upcoming Sunday, October 29, will mark the occurrence of a partial lunar eclipse.
October holds a special significance for astronomy enthusiasts, offering a spectacle of meteor showers, the new year, and the spectacular "ring of fire" solar eclipse on October 14.
Now, in a quick succession, we're in for another celestial event on October 29, presenting a partial lunar eclipse.
During this lunar eclipse, only a segment of the Moon will be cloaked by the Earth's shadow, defining its partial nature.
Typically, lunar eclipses follow solar eclipses, and while the rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse wasn't visible in India on October 14, it will witness the partial lunar eclipse on Sunday, October 29.
A “ring-of-fire” eclipse occurs when the Moon covers the centre of the Sun, leaving a fiery ring or annulus of the Sun's outer edge visible.
— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) October 22, 2023
effect is only visible along a specific path on Earth, "path of annularity," where the alignment is perfect.pic.twitter.com/SdzjKFAcuh
Understanding the lunar eclipse
- Lunar eclipses materialize during a full moon, occurring when the Earth aligns between the Moon and the Sun, casting its shadow over the lunar surface.
- This phenomenon dims the Moon's luminosity or occasionally tinges it with a reddish hue over the course of few hours.
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Lunar eclipses are observable from approximately half of the Earth's surface, unfolding when the Earth interposes itself between the Sun and the Moon.
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Partial eclipses entail only a segment of the Moon growing dim, while total eclipses can bathe the Moon in a reddish glow.
We end a two-year cycle with the partial Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Taurus taking place on October 28, 2023. The second of two eclipses ushers in a code of change. Eclipse season marks a major turning point. Eclipses bring news we will remember as karmic cycles are broken. pic.twitter.com/ecgPORYcq1
— Naked Numerology ® (@OneLuckyGirl_28) October 26, 2023
When and where t watch
The partial lunar Eclipse will be visible throughout India around midnight
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.Commencing on October 28 and stretching into October 29, the eclipse will kick off in India around 11:31 pm.
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According to official information from the Ministry of Science, the eclipse on October 28-29, 2023, will be a partial lunar eclipse.
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The "umbral phase" marks the moment when the Moon enters the Earth's shadow, representing the darker segment of the shadow.
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The umbral phase is slated to commence at 01:05 AM on October 29, concluding at 02:24 AM.
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The eclipse will endure for roughly 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Ready for the partial #LunarEclipse on Saturday 28th October 2023, visible over Europe and most of Asia and Africa?#moon #lunar #eclipse #partiallunareclipse pic.twitter.com/YUg7MwryzH
— Vector ↗ (@vector_ially) October 23, 2023
The lunar eclipse will be observable across sections of the Eastern Hemisphere, encompassing Africa, Europe, Asia, and certain parts of Australia. While individuals in America won't be able to witness it, some regions of Brazil will catch a glimpse during moonrise.
For observers in India, the lunar eclipse will be visible in the southwestern portion of the sky. The peak of the eclipse is anticipated at 1:45 AM IST, during which approximately 12% of the Moon will be ensconced within the Earth's shadow.