82 minutes of magic: Rare ‘Blood Moon’ to light up night sky during Total Lunar Eclipse

Sky-gazers are in for a rare spectacle tonight as a total lunar eclipse will be visible across India and several parts of the world, including Eastern Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. During the eclipse, the Moon will take on a striking blood-red colour, also known as the ‘Blood Moon’.

According to astronomers, the eclipse will begin at 9:57 pm and continue for more than three and a half hours. The total phase, when the Moon is fully covered by the Earth’s shadow, will last from 11:01 pm to 12:23 am, giving observers around 82 minutes to witness the phenomenon. The event will conclude by 1:27 am.

Scientists explain that the red hue occurs because, during the eclipse, sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. While blue and violet rays scatter, the longer red and orange rays bend and reflect onto the Moon, making it appear crimson.

While scientists view the eclipse as a natural play of shadow and light, astrologers maintain that the period is inauspicious. The traditional sutak kaal began at 12:57 pm, with restrictions on eating and religious rituals until the eclipse ends.

The next lunar eclipse will occur on March 3 next year, coinciding with Dol Purnima.