How To Watch 1st Lunar Eclipse Of 2020 In India: Location, Time, Safety Precautions Explained
In a penumbral eclipse, Earth comes in between the Moon and the Sun. The sunlight passes through Earth and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. This massive shadow shifts throughout the Lunar surface in the four-hour duration. At the peak of the eclipse, 90 percent of the moon will fall under Earth¡¯s shadow.
Eclipses are definitely one of the coolest celestial occurrences that one can truly witness from our planet without the need for fancy telescopes or other equipment.
Recently, our planet witnessed a majestic annular solar eclipse that revealed the red ring of fire in all its glory, and now, this week, our planet will be a part of a penumbral lunar eclipse.
Reuters
In a penumbral lunar eclipse, Earth comes in between the Moon and the Sun. The sunlight passes through Earth and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. This massive shadow shifts throughout the Lunar surface in the four-hour duration. At the peak of the eclipse, 90 percent of the moon will fall under Earth¡¯s shadow.
From Earth, if you witness the moon, you¡¯ll see that the lunar surface won¡¯t be shining as brightly as it does. While it might not seem as impactful as a solar eclipse, it is a sight to behold nonetheless.
Safety during a penumbral lunar eclipse
While you need special glasses to look at a solar eclipse, during a lunar eclipse, you don¡¯t need such glasses. In fact, one can look at a lunar eclipse with a naked eye and not be susceptible to any damage whatsoever. How cool is that?
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Where can you see the Lunar Eclipse?
In case you were wondering if you¡¯d get to see this eclipse from India, you¡¯re in luck. The eclipse will commence starting 10:37 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) and go all the way till 2:42 AM on January 11. The eclipse will also be visible in the whole of Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa and Australia. Sadly, It won¡¯t be visible in the US.
There¡¯s no reason to feel sad, in case you¡¯ll be missing this Lunar eclipse, as this year, there will be three more penumbral lunar eclipses this year ¨C June 5, July 5, and November 30.