New Delhi: In a treat for stargazers, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible across India on late Tuesday. It will also be visible in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, according to NASA.
What are the Timings?
According to the NASA website, the eclipse will last around two hours and 58 minutes. The eclipse will start at around 12.15 am on July 17 in India. The maximum eclipse will be at 3.00 am. The eclipse ends nearly at 5.30.
The timing of this lunar eclipse is pretty interesting as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 mission that first landed humans on the Moon.
Also Read: Himachal Pradesh: Death Toll In Solan Building Collapse Rises To 13
What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Full Moon, but they are not precisely aligned. Only part of the Moon’s visible surface moves into the dark part of the Earth’s shadow.
Special Coincidence
In a special coincidence, this year’s lunar eclipse falls is taking place on auspicious Guru Purnima. This has happened after 149 years.
Is it safe?
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or special precautions, as they are dimmer than the full Moon. NASA says any other superstitions associated with lunar eclipses should also be ignored.
This is the last lunar eclipse of this year and the next lunar eclipse will take place on May 26, 2021.
Ms Kalinga