Lunar eclipse October 28-29 will be a partial eclipse, it means that only part of the Moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow. (Image: Shutterstock)
Lunar Eclipse 2023: The Chandra Grahan on October 28-29, 2023 will be visible in India. Here is all you need to know about this celestial event, including how to watch it safely, sutak kaal, the effects on zodiac signs, and beliefs and traditions for pregnant women.
LUNAR ECLIPSE 2023: India will witness a partial lunar eclipse on October 28-29, which will be visible across the country around midnight. The eclipse succeeds the solar eclipse on October 14, which was not visible in India. The eclipse will be visible in several countries that cover the West Pacific region such as Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, north–eastern North America, eastern South America, South Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
The lunar eclipse October 28-29 will be a partial eclipse, it means that only part of the Moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow. It will also be a red moon eclipse. This means that the Moon will appear to turn red as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. This is because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light more than red light. The lunar eclipse on October 28-29 will be the longest partial lunar eclipse of the 21st century. The partial eclipse will last for 3 hours and 40 minutes.
LUNAR ECLIPSE (CHANDRA GRAHAN): DATE, TIME & SUTAK KAAL
- Lunar Eclipse 2023 Date: October 28, Saturday
- Lunar Eclipse Begins: October 29, 2023 – 01:05 AM
- Lunar Eclipse Ends: October 29, 2023 – O2:24 AM
- Sutak Kaal Starts: 02:52 PM IST on October 28
- Sutak Kaal Ends: 02:22 AM IST on October 29.
WILL THE LUNAR ECLIPSE ON OCTOBER 28-29 BE VISIBLE IN INDIA?
Yes, the lunar eclipse will be visible in India.
The partial lunar eclipse is set to commence on Saturday, October 28, at approximately 11:31 PM in India. Around 1:05 AM IST, the Moon will be gradually engulfed by the Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra.
On Sunday, October 29, the lunar eclipse will have its onset at 1:05 AM and conclude at 2:24 AM, spanning a duration of roughly 1 hour and 19 minutes.
It will also be visible from the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Africa, Asia, Europe and most of Australia and eastern parts of North America and South America. It will be visible from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Varanasi, Kathmandu, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Rome, Madrid, Beijing, Moscow, Paris, London, Perth and Singapore.
WHEN AND HOW TO SEE THE LUNAR ECLIPSE IN INDIA
To see the lunar eclipse, find a dark location with a clear view of the sky. You do not need any special equipment to view a lunar eclipse. The Moon will appear to darken and turn red as it passes through the Earth’s shadow.
WHAT IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon, when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky.
TYPES OF LUNAR ECLIPSES
Total lunar eclipse: The Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon.
Partial lunar eclipse: Only part of the Moon is covered by the Earth’s shadow.
Penumbral lunar eclipse: The Moon passes through the Earth’s faint outer shadow.
EXPLAINED: WHAT HAPPENS DURING PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
WHY DOES THE MOON TURN RED?
HOW OFTEN DO LUNAR ECLIPSES OCCUR?
There are typically two to four lunar eclipses per year. However, not all lunar eclipses are visible from all locations on Earth.
TIPS FOR VIEWING THE LUNAR ECLIPSE SAFELY
- Do not look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse. Even when the Sun is partially obscured by the Moon, its light can still be harmful to your eyes.
- Use eclipse glasses or a solar filter to view the Sun during a solar eclipse.
- Do not use sunglasses or regular camera filters to view the Sun during a solar eclipse. These filters are not safe for viewing the Sun.
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE?
To watch the lunar eclipse online, you can use one of the following streaming services:
Timeanddate.com: This website will provide a live stream of the lunar eclipse, as well as other astronomical events.
Virtual Telescope Project: This website will offer a live stream of the lunar eclipse from telescopes located around the world.
NASA: NASA will also be offering a live stream of the lunar eclipse on its website and YouTube channel.
LUNAR ECLIPSE TO AFFECT THESE SIX ZODIAC SIGNS
- AriesAries may experience negative effects in both their personal and professional lives during the 2023 lunar eclipse. Stress may lead to poor behavior and strained relationships. As a precaution, Aries should avoid making investments, starting new projects, or doing any major work on the day of the lunar eclipse, as this could lead to problems. Health issues may also arise.
- TaurusThe 2023 lunar eclipse may cause increased stress levels for Taurus. The Moon, which represents the mind in astrology, could lead to mental disturbances. Additionally, expenses are expected to rise, so it is important to manage spending carefully to avoid any financial problems.
- CancerAs a Moon-ruled sign, Cancer should be cautious during the final lunar eclipse of 2023, as it is not expected to be favorable for them. Those who are employed should be vigilant at work to avoid costly mistakes and difficult situations. Health concerns should also be a top priority on the day of the eclipse.
- VirgoVirgo may experience mixed results during the final lunar eclipse of 2023. There is potential for financial gains, but failure to control spending could lead to financial shortages. It is advisable to exercise restraint to avoid having to borrow money due to overspending.
- ScorpioScorpio should be cautious during the second lunar eclipse of the year, as there is a risk of trouble from enemies. It is important to maintain confidentiality at work to prevent information from being misused. On a positive note, those who are employed may expect a promotion or an increase in prestige.
- PiscesThe last lunar eclipse of the year will occur in Pisces’ eighth house of love and relationships, potentially leading to increased tension. Pisces should be patient with their partners and avoid saying or doing anything that could damage their relationships. It is important to control their anger and communicate calmly, as addressing issues in a calm manner will help to prevent damage to friendships on this day.
PREGNANT WOMEN AND LUNAR ECLIPSES: BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS
Many people believe that pregnant women should take extra care during a lunar eclipse. Some of the common beliefs and traditions include:
- Staying indoorsPregnant women are advised to stay indoors during a lunar eclipse, if possible. This is because it is believed that negative energies can descend on Earth during this time.
- Reciting mantras and worshipping deitiesPregnant women are also encouraged to recite mantras and worship deities on the day of a lunar eclipse. This is believed to protect them and their unborn child from harm.
- Carrying a coconutIt is believed that carrying a coconut can protect pregnant women from the harmful radiation that is emitted during a lunar eclipse. The coconut is to be immersed in a holy river afterwards.
- Avoiding sharp objectsPregnant women are also advised to avoid using sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, and needles, on the day of a lunar eclipse. This is because it is believed that using these objects could harm the unborn child.
- Taking special care when moving aroundPregnant women should be extra careful when getting up and sitting down on the day of a lunar eclipse. They should also avoid any strenuous activity.
- Avoiding food and drinkSome people believe that pregnant women should avoid food and drink during a lunar eclipse. This is because it is believed that the food and drink could become contaminated.
