Will it be visible in India?
In India, only the penumbral phase will be visible. During the penumbral phase, the moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of its shadow. It can be seen on September 18 in the early morning hours. The estimated time for the beginning of the eclipse is around 07:42 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), and it reaches its maximum at approximately 08:14 AM IST. The eclipse will end at 08:45 AM IST.
Read more: Lunar Eclipse 2024: What to eat and avoid during Chandra Grahan 2024
Safety tips
For the best view, observers in India should have a clear view of the west. The eclipse will be visible to the naked eye, given the right weather conditions; however, binoculars or a telescope might offer a better view. Unlike a solar eclipse, viewing the lunar eclipse with the naked eye is safe.
What is a supermoon?
A moon in the night sky is considered a supermoon when it fulfils two conditions, simultaneously: when the moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth, and it is also a full moon. The moon revolves around the Earth in an elliptical orbit, and the closest point to Earth is called perigee. At this point, the average distance between the Earth and the moon is about 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers).
Read more: Lunar Eclipse 2024: How it will impact on your health
September’s full moon is also known as the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The moon gets its name from the fact that it rises as soon as the sun sets, resulting in bright moonlight early in the evening. September’s full moon is the second supermoon of the year, according to NASA.
What is a partial lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the moon and the sun, causing the Earth to cast a shadow on the moon. During a partial lunar eclipse, the three celestial objects are not aligned precisely. Such an eclipse has three phases: penumbral, partial, and penumbral again. The entire event will take 4 hours and 6 minutes. This lunar eclipse is a slight one, as the Earth will only cast a partial shadow on the upper portion of the moon. However, it will be interesting to notice the contrast between the shadowed and illuminated regions of the moon.
