New Delhi: Millions of skywatchers across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia are preparing for a celestial spectacle tonight a total lunar eclipse, set to transform the night sky with a breathtaking “blood moon.” If the skies remain clear, Kerala will offer a front-row view of this rare astronomical event, which promises to enchant enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The phenomenon begins at 8:58 pm Indian Standard Time, when the Earth’s shadow starts to creep across the Moon’s surface. By 11:41 pm, the Moon will be fully engulfed in darkness, marking the peak of the total eclipse. The entire event is expected to last five hours and twenty-seven minutes, culminating with the shadow slowly receding at 12:22 am on September 8. Observers around the world will witness the Moon gradually returning to its silvery glow, with the eclipse ending completely by 2:25 am IST.
Eclipse Across the Globe
Visibility times vary across different regions. In London, the eclipse is expected between 7:30 and 7:52 pm, while Paris and Cape Town will see it from 7:30 to 8:52 pm. Istanbul, Cairo, and Nairobi will witness the phenomenon from 8:30 to 9:52 pm, and Tehran from 9:00 to 10:22 pm.
In Asia, Mumbai residents can catch the eclipse from 11:00 pm to 12:22 am, Bangkok from 12:30 to 1:52 am, and Beijing, Hong Kong, and Perth from 1:30 to 2:52 am. Tokyo will experience the eclipse between 2:30 and 3:52 am, and Sydney between 3:30 and 4:52 am. Experts estimate that about 77 percent of the world’s population will be able to witness at least part of the eclipse.
How a Lunar Eclipse Occurs
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. If the Moon is completely covered, it results in a total lunar eclipse; if only partially covered, it is a partial lunar eclipse. The Moon’s hue depends on atmospheric conditions on Earth, with total eclipses often casting the Moon in deep shades of red and orange.
The Blood Moon Phenomenon
During a total lunar eclipse, sunlight is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. Blue light is scattered, while red and orange wavelengths illuminate the Moon, giving rise to the striking “blood moon” effect. Tonight’s total eclipse will produce a blood-red Moon for approximately 82 minutes, offering a rare opportunity for both astronomers and the general public to observe this dramatic interplay of celestial mechanics.
For residents of Kerala and across India, clear skies will reveal the Moon’s slow transformation into a glowing crimson orb a spectacle that combines scientific wonder with natural beauty, and one that reminds us of the intricate dance of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.