INDIA: India is set to experience a celestial event on May 5, 2023, as the first lunar eclipse of the year, known as Chandra Grahan, takes place. Penumbral lunar eclipses occur when the moon moves into Earth’s outer shadow, darkening but not entirely disappearing.
The entire eclipse will cover 4 hours and 18 minutes, starting at 8:44 PM IST and ending at 1:01 AM on May 5, 2023. The moon will be at its darkest during the eclipse at 10:52 PM. This is the first lunar eclipse visible from India since November 19, 2021, which was only a partial eclipse.
According to experts, viewers in India will not require any special equipment to witness the lunar eclipse, but using binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red colour.
A lunar eclipse, unlike a solar one, may be seen with the unaided eye since it just reflects sunlight and does not get any brighter than the full moon.
Many regions of the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and Antarctica, will be able to see the lunar eclipse. As it rises, it will be evident over Asia, Australia, and much of Africa and Europe, especially in Eastern and Central Europe.
There will be two lunar eclipses in 2023. The one occurring on May 5, 2023, will be the first one. This will be the deepest penumbral eclipse since February 2017 and up to September 2042. Only 0.1% of the moon’s apparent diameter will be larger than usual because it will be 5.5 days before the perigee on May 11, 2023.
A penumbral eclipse occurs when the moon enters the penumbra—the lighter outer region of the earth’s shadow. In this area, the Earth appears to cover a portion of the sun’s disc but not the entire thing.
The moon is dimmed but still somewhat lit when it is in the penumbra because it receives less light from the sun. This effect can be barely perceptible and is occasionally only discernible in highly edited pictures or by those with exceptionally sharp vision.
Skywatchers in India look forward to witnessing the lunar eclipse and are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity. If the skies are clear and the viewing conditions are right, this event promises to be a stunning sight for those fortunate enough to witness it.
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