Lunar Eclipse 2023 Today: All Questions and Answers Here for Chandra Grahan on May 5

A lunar eclipse, often referred to as Chandra Grahan, is an astronomical event that happens as a result of the motions of the sun, moon, and earth. The first lunar eclipse of the year 2023 will happen on May 5. And this will be a penumbral lunar eclipse.

Get answers to all your doubts and questions about the upcoming lunar eclipse.

What is Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the earth passes between the sun and the moon; due to this shift in position, the Earth's shadow is cast on the moon, producing a dark effect. Total, partial, and penumbral lunar eclipses are the three different types. The most dramatic eclipse is when the umbra covers the moon, the darkest region of the Earth's shadow.

When is the Lunar Eclipse in 2023 in India?

The first Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse 2023 will occur on May 5 in India. It will begin on May 5 in India at 10:11 a.m. EST (15:11 GMT), reach its peak at 12:22 p.m. EST (17:22 GMT), and end at 14:31 p.m. EST (19:31 GMT), according to Timeanddate.com. The overall duration of the upcoming eclipse is 4 hours, 18 minutes. 

When is the Next Lunar Eclipse?

On October 28, 2023, there will be the second lunar eclipse of the year. Parts of Australia, the Eastern Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia will all be able to observe this partial moon eclipse.

Also Read - Solar Eclipse vs Lunar Eclipse

How Long Does a Lunar Eclipse Last?

The duration of the year's first lunar eclipse is 4 hours, 18 minutes. The event will start on May 5 at 8:44 IST and end at 1:00 IST. 

A penumbral lunar eclipse can last longer and a partial lunar eclipse lasts roughly 236 minutes. On the other hand, a total lunar eclipse typically lasts up to 2 hours or more. The eclipse's duration, however, varies depending on the location.

What is Sutak Kaal or Sutak Period?

The unlucky period preceding Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan is referred to as "Sutak", according to Drik Panchang. During Sutak, the Earth's atmosphere is contaminated, hence additional care should be taken to prevent any negative side effects from contamination.

Some common advice to follow during the Sutak Kaal is:

• During the Sutak time, one should not travel.
• Do not perform any important or auspicious work or business activity.
• During the moon eclipse, pregnant women should take additional precautions and stay inside. Avoid exposure to outside light.
• Although it is not thought that a lunar eclipse is harmful to the eyes, experts advise against viewing the Moon during one.
• To achieve positive outcomes, people should pray, meditate, and engage in sadhana during the eclipse.
• Worshipping Lord Shiva, the Lord of the Moon, helps to fend off negative energy during a lunar eclipse. Throughout this period, you might chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya”.

How to Photograph Lunar Eclipse?

The key to all successful astrophotography is preparation and strategy. Make sure that all of your equipment, including your camera, lenses, and tripods, is cleaned and packed in advance. The weather prediction should also be closely monitored because cloud cover might hinder your photos. 

Once you've located the perfect shooting location, be aware of the ideal lunar eclipse shooting window. Make sure your tripod is set up in a steady, level location where there is no chance of it shaking in the middle of a shot. 

Shoot in RAW format to gather as much information as you can and give yourself as many alternatives in post-production. The moon is moving swiftly in your frame, thus using a slower shutter speed could cause motion blur. 

Take a picture while moving the focus ring back and forth on your LCD screen to precisely focus on the moon. Make sure the moon's features are all in focus by zooming in as far as possible. Before the lunar eclipse begins, you should try taking a photo with autofocus. Your camera will probably focus more easily if you focus on the edge of the moon. 

What happens if we eat during the Lunar Eclipse?

Astrology states that eating during an eclipse is considered wrong and sinful. Eating during a lunar eclipse is said to be unhealthy, and this is just because the eclipse causes the emission of potent ultraviolet rays, which affect cooked food because it is made with water, which further attracts emissions.

Another important factor is that exposure to radiation causes the death of several microorganisms which is why it was advised against engaging in necessities like eating and bathing during Chandra Grahan.

However, it is believed that a holy basil leaf kept with cooked food and water will prevent food contamination, but this is not supported by science. 

Why one Should not Travel During an Eclipse?

A solar eclipse is also a bad moment to start a long journey. It is advised to exercise caution and alertness in case of emergencies. As a heightened degree of energy occurs during an eclipse, which has numerous effects on both the external environment and our own interior energies. In contrast to Surya Grahan, the rays are not sufficiently toxic to affect the retina or induce blindness, still, they are harmful.

According to certain scientific institutions, food is overexposed to cosmic and UV rays. On the night of the lunar eclipse, however, there won't be any difference in the amount of UV and other light particles that enter the Earth's atmosphere.

What to do After Lunar Eclipse?

According to astrologers, our body's Kapha dosha, which regulates muscular growth and stability, has an imbalance during an eclipse. Skin issues like breakouts, acne, pimples, and early indications of aging can be brought on by the imbalance. There is no scientific proof for this myth.

The common recommendation is for people to wear safety glasses to shield their eyes from the damaging rays that are released during an eclipse. However, unlike the sun, the moon's rays do not damage the naked eye. Furthermore, viewers don't require any special tools to view a lunar eclipse, according to NASA, though binoculars or a telescope will improve the view and the red color.

Is Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan Harmful?

Astrology and common beliefs advise not to view the lunar eclipse with their naked eyes. However, the celestial movement can be seen with the naked eye without any risk, unlike a solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Lunar eclipses are always safe to view use your binoculars, telescopes, or any type of camera or video camera, and have fun! Make sure to use a "fast" setting so that time exposures do not blur the image. Solar eclipses, on the other hand, are dangerous. Solar eclipses necessitate the use of appropriate eye protection and camera filters.

If you are unable to experience one in person, be sure to visit numerous sites such as NASA, Space.com, and others for the celestial event.

Why don't we Have a Lunar Eclipse Every Month?

The plane of the Moon's orbit around the Earth differs from the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Earth (as seen from the Moon) generally passes over or beneath the Sun during Full Moon. Eclipses are only possible twice a year, when the orbits meet at the 'nodes' and are referred to as 'eclipse seasons'; even then, the Moon must be at the appropriate point in its orbit to witness an eclipse. Each year, there will be at least two partial lunar eclipses, although there may be more. If there is a total solar eclipse that season, there must be a partial lunar eclipse two weeks before or after.

Is it ok to Drink Water During Lunar Eclipse?

As per Drik Panchang, eating or even drinking water or any other beverage should be completely avoided during the period of eclipse. This is because all the natural resources get contaminated with negative and harmful rays, so its better to avoid its use for that particular span.

According to reports from Time and Date, the penumbral lunar eclipse which will occur on May 5th will be visible from select regions of Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

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