The century’s longest Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan is going to happen on 27-28 July 2018. The total phase of the Eclipse will last for around 1 hour and 43 minutes. The Eclipse can be noticed from all parts of India. Here’s more to it!
What the Lunar Eclipse actually is?
Lunar Eclipse happens when Sun, Earth, and Moon comes in the same alignment and in the same order. Earth blocks sunlight usually reflected by the Moon, creating a partial or total shadow over it. Total Lunar Eclipse can happen only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in perfect alignment.
What’s so special about this Eclipse?
The special thing about this Eclipse is that the eclipse will be the longest of the century. The reason being, it’s happening on a micro-moon phase. This means the Moon will be at its furthest point from the Earth during this Eclipse, causing a shadow on Moon for a longer period, so the Eclipse lasts longer.
What can you expect to see?
Well, a Blood Mood. Some of the sunlight is reflected through Earth’s atmosphere, giving the moon a deep red glow.
So, you wish to take photographs?
This is the perfect opportunity to click the photographs. One can use even the basic equipment (smartphone camera) to capture the Eclipse. If you have a Camera and a tripod, just place the camera and set it to AV mode and press the shutter button. So, here you have your own picture of the eclipse. Remember to put the flash off, in case you are using your smartphone.
Where and when will the Eclipse be visible?
The Eclipse will be visible from all parts of India and will last for around 1 hour and 43 minutes. It will begin as a partial eclipse at 11:44 pm on 27th July and the total eclipse phase will start at 1:00 am on 28th July. The timings for the different phases will be as follows:
Moonrise: 06:59 PM
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 10:44 PM
Partial Eclipse Begins: 11:54 PM
Totality Starts: 01:00 AM
Maximum Eclipse: 01:51 AM
Totality ends: 02:43 AM
Partial Eclipse ends: 03:49 AM
Penumbral Eclipse ends: 04:58 AM