India to Witness Rare Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight
Skywatchers across India are preparing for a rare celestial event as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a "Blood Moon," will be visible across the entire country on the night of September 7-8, 2025. This will be the last lunar eclipse of the year and the first time since July 27, 2018, that a total lunar eclipse can be observed from all parts of India.
The total lunar eclipse will paint the Moon in a deep red hue for a remarkable 82 minutes. The event is scheduled to begin with the penumbral phase at 8:58 PM IST on September 7. The partial eclipse will start at 9:57 PM IST, followed by the total eclipse beginning at 11:01 PM IST. The period of totality will conclude at 12:22 AM IST on September 8, with the final penumbral phase ending at 2:25 AM IST. Unlike solar eclipses, this lunar event can be safely viewed with the naked eye from both rural and urban areas, provided weather conditions are clear.
The timing of this Chandra Grahan coincides with Purnima (Full Moon day) and the beginning of Pitru Paksha, a combination considered rare. The next such nationwide visible total lunar eclipse is not expected until December 31, 2028.
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