From Ohh Now News Desk

The phenomenon of a lunar eclipse, i.e. the alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon in such a way, that the Moon passes into the shadow cast by our planet, is set to occur on November 8^th. When the Moon is completely concealed within the umbra, which is the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, it is termed as total lunar eclipse.

In India, Chandra Grahan or the total lunar eclipse is going to be visible only in the eastern regions though the partial eclipse would be visible from most other parts of the country. 

Due to the phenomenon of Rayleigh scattering, the Moon will appear red during a lunar eclipse, since the sunlight that reaches the Moon has to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. This has given rise to calling lunar eclipses as “Blood Moons”.

After the total lunar eclipse on November 8^th, there will occur partial and penumbral lunar eclipses, till the next total lunar eclipse, that is due to occur on 14 March, 2025.

The total lunar eclipse can be easily viewed using the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red colour of the moon. It would be ideal to observe the moon in a dark environment.

During the period of the eclipse, the Moon will be in the constellation of Aries.

The stages of the total lunar eclipse can be enumerated as below:

• Penumbral eclipse begins: The Moon enters the outer part of the Earth’s shadow, known as penumbra. The Moon begins to appear dimmer.
• Partial eclipse begins: The Moon begins entering the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, known as umbra. The portion of the Moon inside the umbra will appear very dark.
• Totality begins: The entire Moon is now covered in the Earth’s umbra and its colour turns a coppery-red.
• Totality ends: As the Moon exits the umbra, the red colour fades. 
• Partial eclipse ends: The whole Moon remains dimmed in the Earth’s penumbra.
• Penumbral eclipse ends: The eclipse ends.

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