Astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers have a celestial event to look forward to this month: a lunar eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, occurring on September 18, 2024. This will be the second lunar eclipse of the year.
Unfortunately, this eclipse will not be visible in India as the Moon will be below the horizon during the event. Nonetheless, it retains significant religious importance for many people across the country.
Here are the key timings of the eclipse in Indian Standard Time (IST) on September 18:
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 06:11 AM Partial Eclipse Begins: 07:42 AM Maximum Eclipse: 08:14 AM Partial Eclipse Ends: 08:45 AM Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:17 AMIn addition, September’s Full Moon will be visible in India from Monday evening through Thursday evening, providing an opportunity to observe the supermoon over several nights.
What Happens During Chandra Grahan?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface. The eclipse can be either partial or total, depending on the alignment.
During a partial eclipse, only a portion of the Moon is covered by the Earth’s shadow, often giving it a reddish tint. NASA explains that in a partial lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow “grows and then recedes without ever fully covering the Moon.”
This partial lunar eclipse will be visible across five continents: Europe, Africa, North and South America, and parts of Asia.
What to Do After the Lunar Eclipse
Even if you’re unable to view the eclipse, you can still prepare for its aftermath. Here are some steps to help you transition back to your regular routine:
Rehydrate and Nourish: If your eating or drinking habits were disrupted during the eclipse, drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to replenish your energy and maintain your health.
Resume Your Routine: Gradually return to your usual activities. If you observed any rituals or fasted during the eclipse, ease back into your normal diet and routine to avoid any sudden effects on your health.
Cleanse Your Environment: Lunar eclipses are sometimes thought to bring negative energy. To clear this, open your windows to let in fresh air and use natural incense, such as sage or palo santo, to cleanse and refresh your space.