Lunar Eclipse 2023: Date, Time, Dos and Don'ts during Chandra Grahan

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Date, Time, Viewing Locations in India, and Chandra Grahan Guidelines

A partial lunar eclipse is on the horizon, set to grace the night of October 28 and extend into the early hours of October 29. This celestial event follows the annular solar eclipse that captivated parts of the western hemisphere just two weeks prior.

As per the Ministry of Science & Technology's announcement, the partial lunar eclipse will take place on October 28-29, 2023 (6-7 Kartika, 1945 Saka Era). The Moon will dip into the penumbra around midnight on October 28, while the umbral phase will commence in the early hours of October 29.

The umbral phase is scheduled to start at 1:05 am IST on October 29, concluding at 02:24 am IST. Anticipate a lunar eclipse duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, with a magnitude of 0.126.

Visibility of the Partial Lunar Eclipse

Good news for sky gazers in India! The partial lunar eclipse will be observable from all corners of the country around midnight. In addition to India, the eclipse's visibility extends across a vast region encompassing the Western Pacific Ocean, Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, eastern South America, north-eastern North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific Ocean.

Understanding Lunar Eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, creating alignment among the three celestial bodies.

A total lunar eclipse ensues when the entire Moon plunges into the Earth's umbral shadow, while a partial lunar eclipse transpires when only a section of the Moon becomes shrouded by Earth's shadow.

Upcoming Lunar Eclipse in India

Mark your calendars for the next lunar eclipse visible from India, slated for September 7, 2025. This forthcoming eclipse will be a total lunar eclipse. The most recent lunar eclipse observable from India transpired on November 8, 2022, and it was a total eclipse.

Dos and Don'ts During Chandra Grahan

As the lunar eclipse approaches, it's vital to observe certain traditions and precautions:

Do: Eclipse Observance

• Chant mantras or devotional songs.

• Meditate on your chosen deity (isht devta).

• Contribute to charitable causes.

• Consume sattvic food, which is pure and light.

• Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep.

Don't: Eclipse Precautions

• Abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol.

• Avoid cutting your hair or nails during this period.

• Refrain from initiating new projects or ventures.

• Minimize long-distance travel during the eclipse.

Facts about lunar eclipse :

• The partial lunar eclipse on October 28-29, 2023 will be the second lunar eclipse of the year, following the annular solar eclipse on October 14.

• The eclipse will be visible from all parts of India, starting at around midnight on October 28.

• The eclipse will reach its peak at 1:05 am IST on October 29, and it will end at 2:24 am IST.

• The eclipse will be visible in the region covering Western Pacific Ocean, Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, eastern South America, north-eastern North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

• A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Moon enters the Earth's umbral shadow.

• A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire Moon enters the Earth's umbral shadow.

• The next lunar eclipse visible from India will be on September 7, 2025, and it will be a total lunar eclipse.

• Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye or with binoculars. However, it is important to avoid looking directly at the Sun.

• A study published in the journal "Nature Communications" in 2022 found that lunar eclipses can have a significant impact on the Earth's atmosphere. The study found that lunar eclipses can cause a decrease in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere, which could lead to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

• Another study, published in the journal "Astronomy & Astrophysics" in 2023, found that lunar eclipses can also cause a decrease in the amount of water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere. This could lead to drier conditions on the ground, which could increase the risk of wildfires.

Conclusion:

The upcoming partial lunar eclipse promises a celestial spectacle for those in India and various other regions. As you prepare to witness this celestial event, remember to follow the prescribed dos and don'ts associated with Chandra Grahan for a spiritually enriching experience.