Pune: Enthusiasts across India are gearing up for the last lunar eclipse of the year, set to occur on Sunday. This total lunar eclipse presents a valuable chance for astronomers and skywatchers, particularly since the next one won’t take place until March 3, 2026. The celestial event will kick off at 9:57 PM, with the moon entering the Earth’s shadow, leading to a penumbral phase.
Cloudy weather could hinder visibility, but if conditions are clear, observers can enjoy approximately five and a half hours of the event. Arvind Paranjpye, Director of the Nehru Centre Planetarium in Mumbai, describes this eclipse as significant, noting that it will be the most extensive total lunar eclipse visible in India this year. “The eclipse will commence around 8:58 PM, peaking at 1:26 AM and concluding at 1:30 AM,” he said, highlighting the exceptional duration of this lunar phenomenon.
Maharashtra has not hosted a total lunar eclipse since 2018, fueling excitement among local astronomy fans. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly during a full moon. Mayuresh Prabhune of Khagol Vishwa explains the visual transformation during the event: “As the Moon transitions through the Earth’s shadow, the illuminated portion will gradually darken. Upon entering the Earth’s dark shadow entirely, the moon appears red due to atmospheric light filtering through.” This reddish hue during the total phase is commonly referred to as the ‘Blood Moon.’
On Sunday evening, the various phases of the eclipse will unfold as follows: the moon will touch the Earth’s penumbra at 8:58 PM, followed by the beginning of the partial phase at 9:57 PM. The totality phase will commence at 11:00 PM, with maximum visibility at 11:41 PM when the moon is centrally located in the Earth’s shadow. By 12:22 AM, the total phase will conclude, transitioning back to partial. Finally, the moon will exit the Earth’s penumbra at 2:25 AM. In total, the lunar eclipse will last for 5 hours and 27 minutes.
The event will not only captivate observers in India but will also be visible from much of Asia, with different phases observable from parts of Africa, Australia, and Europe. To facilitate viewing, Jyotirvidya Parisanstha has organized a public event at Kesariwada from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. This free event, led by experts, will include telescope viewing and an exhibition with informational displays regarding the eclipse.
Experts emphasize the importance of clear skies for optimal viewing and encourage the public to participate in this rare astronomical event. This lunar eclipse presents a remarkable opportunity for learning and experiencing the wonders of our universe. As anticipation builds, many are preparing to mark this memorable night under the stars.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/5-hr-lunar-eclipse-to-be-visible-across-india-tomorrow-night/articleshow/123725605.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-09-06 02:54:00
