October is poised to astound us with yet another celestial spectacle, as it prepares to host a second eclipse on the 28th, just a fortnight after the mesmerizing solar eclipse. This time, it’s a lunar eclipse, a natural phenomenon that never fails to leave us in awe.
What Is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when our planet, Earth, finds itself sandwiched between the radiant Sun and the ethereal Full Moon, with their exact alignment not always guaranteed. According to Time and Date, this celestial dance happens when Earth, Sun, and Moon don’t form a straight line in space. Instead, a small portion of the Moon’s surface is veiled by the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, known as the “umbra.” The rest of the Moon is graced by the outer part of Earth’s shadow, called the “penumbra.”
The Different Stages of a Partial Lunar Eclipse
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: At this stage, the Earth’s penumbra gently starts covering the Moon’s surface, setting the celestial ballet in motion.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: As the Earth’s umbra gracefully advances over the Moon, a spectacle of cosmic proportions unfolds, leaving us in wonder.
- Maximum Eclipse: The climax of the event, when the Earth’s umbra blankets the largest part of the Moon, immersing it in an enchanting shadow.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: The Earth’s umbra gradually retreats, revealing more of the Moon’s radiant face.
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: The final act, as the Earth ceases to cast its shadow on the Moon, marking the end of this celestial performance.
Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) – Today’s Time
According to Space.com, the last Lunar Eclipse of the year graces our night skies on October 28. Precisely at 01:05 AM on October 29, 2023, this lunar eclipse commences and gracefully concludes at 02:24 AM. However, before this celestial ballet begins, a period known as “sutak” or inauspicious time prevails from 02:50 PM until 02:24 AM.
On October 28 and 29, 2023 (6-7 Kartika, 1945 Saka Era), we have the privilege of witnessing a partial lunar eclipse. As the clock strikes midnight, the Partial Lunar Eclipse will be visible from every corner of India. This celestial marvel will grace our night sky for one hour and nineteen minutes. At 01:05 IST on October 29, the eclipse’s umbral phase will set in, and it will gracefully conclude at 02:24 IST, as officially announced by the Ministry of Science.
Key Timings:
- Lunar Eclipse 2023: October 28, Saturday
- Lunar Eclipse 2023 Begins: October 29, 2023 – 01:05 AM
- Lunar Eclipse 2023 Ends: October 29, 2023 – 02:24 AM
- Sutak Kaal: October 28, 2023 – 02:50 PM to 02:24 AM
Where to Witness the Lunar Eclipse 2023 Live?
Prepare to be enchanted, as the upcoming cosmic event of the year will grace the night sky across the globe. According to Time and Date, some parts of the partial lunar eclipse will be visible over a vast expanse, including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North/East South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica.
As October unfolds its celestial wonders, don’t miss the enchanting lunar eclipse on the 28th. Witnessing this rare cosmic event is a celestial experience that promises to leave you in awe. Mark your calendar and prepare to be spellbound by the beauty of our universe.
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