Skywatchers across India are in for a rare spectacle as a total lunar eclipse is set to light up the night sky, turning the Moon a striking deep red.
Often called a “Blood Moon,” this celestial event will last for 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade.
What Happens During a Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth slips between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. This creates the Moon’s famous reddish hue, a dramatic contrast to the brief darkness seen during a solar eclipse.
This happens because sunlight skims through the edges of Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths like blue and green, while bending and projecting the longer red wavelengths onto the Moon.
For 82 minutes, the Moon will appear dramatically red to observers across the globe. During this time, the contrast between the dim, copper-hued Moon and the surrounding stars will be breathtaking, offering astronomy lovers and casual stargazers alike a memorable sight.
Best Time to Watch in India
The eclipse will be visible across the country from start to finish. Astronomers say the total phase, when the Moon turns fully red, will begin late in the evening and continue past midnight, offering the perfect opportunity for skywatchers.
The full lunar eclipse, including the partial and penumbral phases, will span several hours, but the 82-minute “blood red” phase promises the most dramatic and captivating spectacle.
Residents of major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, will enjoy a clear view of the eclipse, weather permitting.
The event will be visible to nearly seven million people across several continents. Cities such as Yangon, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Lagos, Cairo, Bangkok, Jakarta, Berlin, Moscow, Seoul, Rome, Dhaka, Budapest, Manila, Athens, Singapore, Melbourne, Bucharest, Sydney, Sofia, Tokyo, Beijing, Ankara, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Madrid will have prime viewing opportunities.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye or through a telescope, requiring no special protective glasses.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Long-duration total lunar eclipses are rare, and seeing the Moon turn a vivid red for over an hour is not only a breathtaking natural spectacle but also a reminder of Earth’s unique place in the cosmos.
For photographers, it’s a perfect chance to capture striking images, while students and astronomy enthusiasts can use the event to learn more about celestial mechanics.
Photographing a blood moon requires preparation and the right settings. With a DSLR, use a telephoto lens (200mm or longer), mount it on a tripod, and shoot in manual mode.
Start with ISO 400–800, aperture f/5.6 or wider, and adjust shutter speed between 1/125s and one second. Always shoot in RAW and use manual focus for clarity.
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