First lunar eclipse of 2022 with Super Blood Moon sighting
On the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, a part of the world witnessed the first total lunar eclipse of the year. Such a lunar eclipse is also known as a "Blood Moon" or "Red Moon" as the Moon's color can range from bright saffron to a deep, brick red during the peak of the eclipse. The celestial event, however, wasn't visible in India.
When does a total lunar eclipse occur?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Moon from receiving sunlight. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls in the umbra—the darkest part of Earth's shadow. According to Time and Date, the duration of this eclipse's total phase was 1 hour and 25 minutes and that of the partial phase was over two hours.
Watch the total lunar eclipse
Eclipse fully visible in eastern US, South America
The total lunar eclipse began at 7:02 am (IST) and continued till 12:20 pm (IST) on Monday. The "Red Moon" was visible from 8:59 am (IST) in various parts of the world, including South and North America, Antarctica, Europe, Africa, and the East Pacific, according to NASA. The eastern half of the US and entire South America witnessed every stage of the lunar eclipse.
No extra protection needed to view lunar eclipse
Unlike a solar eclipse, one can view the lunar eclipse with naked eyes, and no extra protection is needed. One can get a closer look with a telescope or a pair of binoculars provided the skies are clear.
Next total lunar eclipse to take place in November
Interestingly, this lunar eclipse coincided with another celestial event—a Super Moon. This is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit and appears larger than usual. The next lunar eclipse will happen on November 8, 2022, and that, too, will be a total eclipse. Meanwhile, people in India can catch a glimpse of the full moon on Monday night.
