All of India to witness century's longest lunar-eclipse on July-27
The century's longest total lunar-eclipse would be visible from all parts of India on July 27 when the celestial body would also be tinged with reddish hue called "blood moon". Director (Research and Academic), MP Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, MP Birla Planetarium, Debiprosad Duari said, "Viewers in India are lucky since the eclipse will be entirely visible from all parts of the country."
For best results, use binoculars: Duari
Duari said, "No special filters are required to protect our eyes like those used for watching solar eclipses. One does not need a telescope to watch the eclipse, though a good pair of binoculars will enhance the experience."
Total lunar eclipse to last for 1 hour-43 minutes
The total lunar eclipse would last for one hour and 43 minutes while partial eclipse, which would precede and follow the total eclipse, would last more than an hour, Duari said. He added that the partial eclipse of the moon would start at 11.54 pm Indian Standard Time on July 27 and the total eclipse would begin at 1 am on July 28.
Moon will be at its darkest at 1.52am on July-28
The scientist said that at 1.52 am on July 28, the moon would look the darkest and it would continue till 2.43 am. "After this period, the moon will remain partially eclipsed till 3.49 am on July 28. It will be a golden opportunity for celestial enthusiasts in India as the eclipse will be visible almost throughout the night," Duari said.
Smallest full moon of year on July 27 late night
During the July 27 total lunar eclipse, the moon has to pass through the central part of the Earth's shadow. But on July 27 late night, the Full Moon would be near its apogee, the farthest point from the Earth in its orbit around the Earth, and it would be the smallest full moon of the year.
Why is it called a 'Blood Moon' at times?
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon's disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red and more rarely dark brown to very dark gray, depending upon the part of the Earth's shadow it would be passing through. This was the reason a totally eclipsed moon, at times, was called as Blood Moon.
A lunar eclipse takes place only at full moon
Explaining the celestial phenomenon, Duari said a lunar eclipse takes place only at full moon. "Whenever, the Sun, Earth, and Moon come in a perfect straight line, as the Sun's rays fall on the Earth, the Earth's shadow falls onto a patch of space, and only when the Moon enters that patch of shadow, we see a lunar eclipse," he said.
Next total lunar eclipse will be seen after six months
Duari said the next total lunar eclipse on January 21, 2019, will be only for one hour and two minutes because it will pass to the north of the Earth shadow's center.
