Lunar Eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, is a celestial event that occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This phenomenon can only happen during a full moon when all three celestial bodies are aligned in a straight line.
This year, the 2024 Chandra Grahan, or Lunar Eclipse, is scheduled for today September 18, 2024. Many people were confused about whether it would be on the 17th or the 18th, but according to astrologers and experts, it is scheduled for tomorrow, that is, the 18th of September 2024, Wednesday.
This celestial phenomenon will be visible in many areas of the world, but not in India because the Moon will be below the horizon during the cosmic event. As a result, Indian watchers will miss the partial lunar eclipse.
However, the celestial event continues to carry religious importance for individuals all around the country. Here's the updated information on the best viewing times to witness this breathtaking event.
How Can You Watch Chandra Grahan 2024 Today and Timing?
The lunar eclipse will occur on September 18, according to Indian Standard Time (IST). Here is the schedule with important phases:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 06:11 AM
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 07:42 AM
- Maximum Eclipse: 08:14 AM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 08:45 AM
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:17 AM
What Happens During a Lunar Eclipse?
During a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. This alignment occurs only during a full moon. As the moon passes through Earth's shadow, it gradually darkens.
In total eclipses, the Moon can take on a reddish hue due to sunlight refracting through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths of light. This phenomenon creates a striking visual effect, making the moon appear coppery or red during totality.
The entire event can last several hours, with different phases of darkness observable from anywhere on the night side of Earth.
Is it Okay to Watch the Lunar Eclipse with Naked Eyes?
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. The Moon does not emit its own light but rather reflects sunlight. Even during a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is not bright enough to cause eye damage.
So while it is perfectly fine to watch a lunar eclipse without any special equipment, it is not recommended to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse. The sun's intense light can permanently damage your eyes.
Types of Lunar Eclipses: Penumbral, Partial, and Total
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses:
Total Lunar Eclipse
In a total lunar eclipse, the Earth completely covers the Moon with its umbra, causing the Moon to appear dark red due to sunlight scattering through the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is often referred to as a "Blood Moon" because of its reddish hue.
Partial Lunar Eclipse
During a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon enters Earth's umbra. This results in part of the Moon appearing darkened while the rest remains illuminated by direct sunlight.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's penumbra, or outer shadow. This type is subtle and can be hard to notice, as it only causes a slight dimming of the moon's brightness.
When and Where to Watch the Chandra Grahan 2024?
The partial lunar eclipse of 2024 was set to occur on September 18, 2024, today and will be visible from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. This celestial event began at 6:11 a.m. (0141 GMT). The lunar eclipse's peak phase will occur at 8:14 a.m.
According to NASA, the moon will be seen in full brightness for three days, from Monday evening to Thursday evening. As a result, you can enjoy the supermoon sightings over these days.
Astronomy lovers and stargazers can witness this beautiful celestial event on September 18, 2024. Although it won't be visible from India since the moon will be below the horizon during the eclipse, people in North and South America, Europe, and Africa will have a prime viewing opportunity.
Different Phases of Lunar Eclipse 2024 in the US
The partial lunar eclipse on September 17-18, 2024, will be visible in three distinct phases for 4 hours and 6 minutes:
Penumbral Phase
The eclipse will begin with the Moon entering the Earth's penumbral shadow at 8:41 PM EDT on September 17. During this phase, the moon will appear slightly dimmer as it passes through the outer part of the earth's shadow.
Partial Phase
The top edge of the Moon will begin to enter the Earth's umbral shadow (the darkest part) at 10:13 PM EDT. This marks the start of the partial eclipse. The eclipse will reach its maximum at 10:44 PM EDT, with approximately 8% of the moon's surface covered by the earth's umbra.
Penumbral Phase
The Moon will finish exiting the umbral shadow at 11:16 PM EDT and the penumbral shadow at 12:47 AM EDT on September 18, marking the end of the eclipse.
Throughout the eclipse, the moon may take on a reddish hue, often called a "blood moon," due to sunlight refracting through the Earth's atmosphere and casting a reddish glow on the lunar surface.
Time Schedule for US Observers
On September 17-18, 2024, a partial lunar eclipse will occur, visible across various time zones in North America and parts of Europe and Africa. Here are the key timings for each time zone:
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:41 PM on September 17
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 10:12 PM
- Greatest Eclipse: 10:44 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 11:15 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 12:47 AM on September 18
Central Daylight Time (CDT)
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 7:41 PM on September 17
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 9:12 PM
- Greatest Eclipse: 9:44 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 10:15 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 11:47 PM
Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 6:41 PM on September 17
- Moonrise: Around 7:00 PM
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 8:12 PM
- Greatest Eclipse: 8:44 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 9:15 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 10:47 PM
Mountain Standard Time (MST)
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 5:41 PM MST on September 17
- Moonrise: Around 6:30 PM
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 7:12 PM
- Greatest Eclipse: 7:44 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 8:15 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 9:47 PM
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 5:41 PM on September 17
- Moonrise: Around 6:55 PM
- Partial Eclipse Starts: 7:12 PM
- Greatest Eclipse: 7:44 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 8:15 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Concludes: 9:47 PM
Additionally, this eclipse coincides with the Harvest Moon, which will be a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
The next two supermoons are anticipated in October and November, with the October full moon referred to as the Hunter’s Moon and the November full moon known as the Beaver Moon
Also Read| Lunar Eclipse 2024: When is Chandra Grahan in March? Where and How to See Them?
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