Bhopal, September 7 (HS):Sky-gazers and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a spectacular celestial show on Sunday night, as the longest lunar eclipse since 2022 will unfold. At midnight, the Moon will appear in a striking coppery-red hue, often referred to as the Blood Moon. This rare sight will be visible across India, as well as in Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe—covering nearly 85 percent of the world’s population. It will also mark the last lunar eclipse of the year.

According to National Award-winning science communicator Sarika Gharu, the lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s rays from reaching the Moon. During this alignment, Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter light wavelengths and allows red wavelengths to pass through, casting the Moon in a glowing crimson shade—hence the term Blood Moon.

As per Indian Standard Time, the partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 9:57:09 PM. The total eclipse will take hold at 11:48 PM and remain until 12:22:51 AM. Afterward, the Moon will gradually exit Earth’s shadow, with the partial eclipse ending at 1:26:31 AM.

The duration of totality will last approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it the longest since the November 2022 eclipse, which extended slightly longer at 1 hour and 25 minutes. Notably, this spectacle requires no special viewing equipment such as telescopes or eclipse glasses—the naked eye will suffice to enjoy the mesmerizing red Moon crossing tonight’s sky.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar