Udupi: Skywatchers across India and several parts of Asia are in for a celestial spectacle this weekend as the Earth casts its shadow over the Moon, causing a total lunar eclipse. The rare event will occur on the night of September 7 and continue into the early hours of September 8, with the Moon set to turn a striking copper-red shade at the peak of the eclipse.

Why the Moon turns red

A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon passes completely into the umbra, or darker part of Earth’s shadow, thereby blocking all direct sunlight. However, sunlight scattered through Earth’s atmosphere bends toward the Moon, filtering shorter wavelengths and allowing only red hues to reach the lunar surface. This gives rise to the dramatic “blood Moon” effect.

Dimming of the Moon

Astronomers measure brightness on a magnitude scale, where lower numbers indicate brighter objects. While the full Moon normally shines at a magnitude of about -13, it will dim dramatically during the eclipse to -1.35. This represents a 99.9% drop in brightness, making the Moon appear faint and surreal.

Eclipse timeline for India

The eclipse will be visible in its entirety across India. The detailed timeline is as follows:

  • 8:50 pm (Sep 7): Penumbral shadow begins (faint, not clearly visible)

  • 9:57 pm: Earth’s umbra starts covering the Moon

  • 11:00 pm: Moon enters totality, fully engulfed in shadow

  • 11:41 pm: Eclipse peaks; Moon turns deep copper-red

  • 12:22 am (Sep 8): Umbra begins to recede

  • 1:26 am: Moon fully exits Earth’s umbra

  • 2:25 am: Penumbral shadow ends; eclipse concludes

    • The entire event will last 5 hours and 27 minutes, with the period of totality spanning 1 hour and 22 minutes.

    Where it will be visible

    The total lunar eclipse can be observed across India and most Asian countries, including China, Mongolia, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan. Parts of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, eastern Africa, and Australia will also witness either the full or partial eclipse.

    Safe for naked-eye viewing

    Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be observed safely with the naked eye, without the need for protective glasses or equipment. Telescopes and binoculars may enhance the viewing experience but are not required.

    Astronomy enthusiasts across India are eagerly awaiting the event, hoping for clear skies to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.