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India to Witness Spectacular Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight
New Delhi – Stargazers across India are in for a celestial treat tonight as the year's final total lunar eclipse paints the moon a stunning reddish hue. The rare astronomical event, popularly known as a Blood Moon, will be visible from every corner of the country, offering a unique opportunity for millions to witness the cosmic spectacle.
The eclipse is set to be one of the longest in recent memory, with the entire event lasting for 5 hours and 27 minutes. The most dramatic phase—totality, where the moon is completely engulfed in Earth's shadow—will last for an impressive 82 minutes. This will be the last time a total lunar eclipse is visible from India until March 3, 2026.
"This is the biggest lunar eclipse of the year for India," said Arvind Paranjpye of the Nehru Centre's Planetarium in Mumbai. "If weather permits, people will be able to witness different phases of the event throughout the night."
Unlike a solar eclipse, this lunar event is completely safe to view with the naked eye. No special equipment is needed, though binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view of the moon's cratered, coppery-red surface.
When and Where to Watch
The spectacle begins tonight, September 7th, and continues into the early hours of September 8th. The key timings are consistent across all Indian cities:
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Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:57 PM IST
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Total Eclipse (Blood Moon) Begins: 11:00 PM IST
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Maximum Eclipse: 11:41 PM IST
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Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 AM IST (Sept 8)
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Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:26 AM IST (Sept 8)
The eclipse will be visible nationwide, with excellent viewing prospects in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore, assuming clear skies.
In Pune, special arrangements have been made at Kesariwada, where telescopes will be available for public viewing from 9:30 PM, guided by astronomy experts.
For the best experience, viewers are advised to find a location away from city lights with an unobstructed view of the night sky. Astronomers are urging everyone to take advantage of this rare chance to connect with the cosmos and witness one of nature's most beautiful phenomena.
