Next week, the Moon will glow deep red above billions. A total lunar eclipse on September 7 will be visible to nearly every continent. From Asia and Africa to the Americas and Oceania, over 7 billion people will share the rare sky event.
Why is this lunar eclipse considered so special?
This eclipse will last for 82 minutes of totality. Astronomers say that is unusually long for such an event. The scale of global visibility also makes it remarkable. Nearly all inhabited continents will see it fully or partially.
A blood moon occurs when Earth blocks direct sunlight. The planet’s shadow falls across the lunar surface completely. Sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere and colours turn red. Blue wavelengths are filtered, leaving orange and copper tones.
What is the timing of the eclipse worldwide?
The eclipse begins with a penumbral phase at 9:12 pm IST. Partial eclipse starts at 10:09 pm IST. The blood moon phase begins at 11:01 pm IST. Maximum eclipse is seen at 11:41 pm IST. The total eclipse ends at 12:22 am on September 8. The partial phase ends at 1:14 am IST. The penumbral shadow leaves by 2:11 am IST. Timings may vary slightly by region but most areas will see it.
No special glasses are required, unlike solar eclipses. The safest view is with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars reveal detail on the Moon’s surface. A dark sky with less light pollution is ideal. Arrive early to watch each stage unfold slowly. Community viewings or live streams are good alternatives.
What happens during each stage of the event?
The penumbral phase creates faint dimming at the start. The partial eclipse shows a dark “bite” shape moving. During totality, the Moon glows coppery red in shadow. The shadow slowly withdraws as the Moon brightens again.
In India, the sutak period begins nine hours earlier. Many avoid food, cooking and auspicious rituals during this time. Temples may close until cleansing rituals are finished. Families may fast, meditate or chant during the eclipse. The event is believed to hold spiritual energy.
Why are scientists interested in this eclipse?
Astronomers use the eclipse to study Earth’s atmosphere. Refraction reveals details about aerosols, dust and pollutants above. The shades of red differ with atmospheric conditions globally. Observations add data for long-term climate and air studies. For astrophotographers, it is a rare shooting chance.
A tripod keeps the camera steady for low light. Use ISO settings between 800 and 1600 as a start. Capture multiple phases from start to full totality. Landscapes or skylines add scale and context in shots. Experiment with exposure for the dramatic red glow of Moon.
So, on September 7, billions will share one sky. The longest blood moon in years will unite watchers. Scientists, photographers and families will all look up together.
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