In the coming days, there will be a lunar eclipse that skygazers can observe. This lunar eclipse will occur just 14 days after a solar eclipse that took place on October 14. The partial lunar eclipse will begin at 11:31 PM on Saturday, October 28, with the more noticeable partial umbral eclipse starting at 1:05 AM on Sunday, October 29. The eclipse will reach its maximum at around 1:44 AM and conclude by 2:24 AM. The lunar eclipse will be visible from all parts of India, as well as other Asian countries, Europe, Africa, and North America.
Here are some updates on the lunar eclipse in 2023:
– On October 29, at 06:39:59 AM IST, devotees in Uttarakhand performed a havan during the eclipse.
– Retired Senior Engineer OP Gupta at Nehru Planetarium stated that this is a partial lunar eclipse, with only 6 percent of the Moon falling under the Earth’s shadow. The penumbra will start at 11:31 PM, the partial eclipse will become visible at 1:05 AM, and it will be most visible at 1:44 AM. The eclipse will end at 2:22 AM, and the penumbra will end at 3:56 AM.
– The eclipse will start entering the penumbra at around midnight, with the umbral phase beginning at 1:05 AM. It is expected to last for 1 hour and 19 minutes, ending at 2:24 AM. The eclipse will be visible from all parts of India, as well as the Western Pacific Ocean, Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, eastern South America, northeastern North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific Ocean.
– The American space agency NASA mentioned that Jupiter will appear close to the Moon during the eclipse, making it a marvelous night for a moondance.
– The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that this lunar eclipse is the cosmic event of the year and encouraged sky gazers to witness the beauty of astronomy.
– The eclipse is expected to start receding after 1:45 AM, with the normal full moon becoming visible again around 2:23 AM.
– The Moon will be seen passing through the Earth’s umbra at around 1:06 AM, with about 12 percent of its disk covered by the shadow at 1:45 AM.
– Looking at a lunar eclipse is safe and can be done without any protective equipment, although using binoculars or a telescope can provide a better view.
– Today’s full moon will be the Hunter’s Moon, but since it is a partial eclipse, it will not have the reddish tinge associated with a blood moon.
– The eclipse is expected to take place between 1:06 AM and 2:23 AM on October 29, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 1:45 AM when 12 percent of the Moon’s disk will be covered.
– There are several myths associated with lunar eclipses including avoiding food and water during the eclipse leading to digestive problems, lunar eclipses negatively affecting mental health, and physical activity during the eclipse causing health problems or accidents. These myths are not supported by scientific evidence.
– During a lunar eclipse, it is typically advised to stay inside and refrain from beginning any new projects or activities. Pregnant women are strictly forbidden from going outside during a lunar eclipse, and certain activities like cutting or sewing fabric, carrying sharp tools, or using knives should be avoided to prevent harm to the unborn child. Some people also avoid consuming food during the eclipse.
– The Kashi Vishwanath temple will remain open during the Sutak Kaal period of the lunar eclipse, while several major temples in Andhra Pradesh will close in the evening and reopen after the eclipse.
– Devotees in Haridwar took a dip in the Ganges ahead of the lunar eclipse.
– Some dos and don’ts to follow during the eclipse include adding tulsi leaves to food products, taking a holy bath before and after the eclipse, staying at home and avoiding new projects or activities, and refraining from consuming food while avoiding watching the eclipse with naked eyes.
– The lunar eclipse is a result of Earth moving between the Sun and Moon, creating a beautiful astronomical event.