Lunar Eclipse 2023: Date, Time And Where Will Chandra Grahan Be Seen In India? Sutak Kaal Timing

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 28, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Chandra Grahan 2023: Here is everything you need to know about the partial lunar eclipse on Sunday, October 29...

Digital Desk: The lunar eclipse, also known as Chandra Grahan, is a celestial phenomenon that never fails to captivate the minds of individuals, young and old alike. This captivating event, grounded in scientific explanation, occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow upon the lunar surface. Lunar eclipses can only transpire during a full moon when the sun, earth, and moon align in a straight line, with the earth situated in the middle.

For skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts, the last lunar eclipse of the year 2023 is fast approaching, promising a dazzling display of celestial artistry. Here are the key details for this upcoming lunar eclipse:

Chandra Grahan 2023: Lunar Eclipse Date and Time

The partial lunar eclipse is slated to commence on Saturday, October 28, and continue until the early hours of Sunday, October 29. During the night of October 28, the Moon will first fall within the Earth's penumbral shadow before entering the darker umbral shadow region.

The lunar eclipse will initiate at around 11:31 PM in India on Saturday, October 28. Subsequently, at approximately 1:05 AM on Sunday (Indian Standard Time, IST), the Earth's umbral shadow will progressively encase the lunar phase. The entire event will last about 1 hour and 19 minutes, concluding at 2:24 AM on Sunday, October 29.

Chandra Grahan 2023: Will the Lunar Eclipse be Visible in India?

Yes, the lunar eclipse will be clearly visible in India and throughout the Asian continent. According to the American space agency NASA, the lunar eclipse will grace the skies of all Indian regions, offering a visual feast for stargazers and curious onlookers.

Chandra Grahan 2023: Global Visibility

This particular lunar eclipse will be a worldwide spectacle. It will grace the skies of the Eastern Hemisphere, encompassing regions in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. While observers in the United States will miss out on this celestial event, some areas of Brazil in South America may catch a glimpse of the eclipse during moonrise.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Sutak Kaal Timing

The sutak period, a time traditionally regarded as inauspicious in some cultures, is approximately 9 hours for this lunar eclipse. It will commence at 04:06 PM on Saturday, October 28, and conclude at 02:22 AM on Sunday, October 29.

Chandra Grahan 2023: Sharad Purnima Tithi

Purnima tithi, the full moon day, will begin at 04:15 AM on Saturday, October 28, and reach its culmination at 01:52 AM on Sunday, October 29, coinciding with the lunar eclipse.

Chandra Grahan 2023: Understanding Lunar Eclipses

Lunar eclipses are relatively frequent astronomical occurrences, providing opportunities for observation from various regions of Earth. There are two primary phases within a lunar eclipse:

Penumbral Eclipse: This is the initial and subtle phase when the Moon enters the Earth's penumbral shadow. Although the Moon may appear slightly dimmed during this phase, the change is often imperceptible to the naked eye.

Umbral Eclipse: In this more dramatic phase, the Moon ventures into the Earth's umbral shadow. The umbral shadow represents the central and darker portion of the Earth's shadow. As the Moon progresses deeper into this shadow, it gradually darkens and can take on various shades of red, orange, or brown. This reddish hue is often referred to as the "blood moon" and results from Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight, allowing only longer wavelengths of light to illuminate the Moon.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Safe Viewing

Unlike solar eclipses, which require special eye protection, lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye. For those seeking a closer view, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. The precise appearance and duration of a lunar eclipse can vary from one event to another, depending on the Moon's position in its orbit and the Earth's orientation.

As the night of October 28 approaches, be prepared to witness the celestial beauty of the last lunar eclipse of 2023. With clear skies and a sense of wonder, individuals across India and many parts of the world will be treated to a breathtaking celestial spectacle that has fascinated generations for centuries.