Total Lunar Eclipse to Peak Tonight, Visible Across India, Pakistan, and China
Skywatchers across India, Pakistan, and China are poised to witness a total lunar eclipse tonight, with the peak occurring at 11:48 pm.The eclipse is expected to last for 48 minutes, offering a rare and mesmerizing celestial spectacle, according to Nehru Planetarium.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface and frequently enough giving it a reddish tint, commonly known as a ‘Blood Moon.’ Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye and do not require special filters. Observers can even continue normal activities like eating and drinking during the event.
“People can watch it easily. It will not harm the eyes. You can even eat and drink during it,” stated Gupta of Nehru Planetarium,as reported by ANI.
The eclipse will unfold in phases. In Delhi,the penumbral phase – the initial,subtle dimming – will begin at 8:58 pm,followed by the partial eclipse around 9:57 pm. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves fully into the Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. Sunlight refracted through Earth’s atmosphere illuminates the Moon dimly during totality.
Lunar eclipses occur only during the full moon phase and are visible from half of Earth. This event provides a unique chance for observation and appreciation of our solar system’s dynamic interplay.