Chandra Grahan 2025: India to Witness Longest Lunar Eclipse Since 2022

The much-awaited Chandra Grahan 2025 has begun, with the partial phase of the lunar eclipse visible in cities such as Bengaluru, Ranchi, Jaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Skywatchers are preparing to witness the Blood Moon at its peak at 11:48 PM (IST).

This total lunar eclipse, the longest since 2022, will be visible across India and several other countries. In Delhi, the penumbral phase started at 8:58 PM, followed by the partial eclipse at 9:57 PM. The total eclipse will run from 11:01 PM to 12:23 AM, lasting 82 minutes, with the entire phenomenon ending at 2:25 AM on September 8.

Speaking to ANI, OP Gupta, Senior Planetarium Engineer at Nehru Planetarium, explained that while the penumbral eclipse is faint and often requires binoculars or a telescope, the partial eclipse is easily visible to the naked eye. He assured that watching the eclipse poses no harm to the eyes, and people can eat or drink normally during the event. The phenomenon will also be visible in Pakistan and China.

Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Head of the Science, Communication, Public Outreach, and Education (SCOPE) Section at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, highlighted the differences between the phases. He noted that the Moon turns a striking coppery-red when it is fully inside Earth's umbra, a result of red sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere while blue light scatters.

B. S. Shylaja, former Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, further explained that this reddish glow-commonly called the Blood Moon-is a natural effect and one of the most stunning sky events to witness.

Cultural Beliefs and Superstitions

In India, lunar eclipses are often linked with superstitions. Many avoid eating, drinking, or physical activity due to beliefs about "negative energy" or supposed risks for pregnant women and unborn children. However, astronomers emphasize that these are non-scientific beliefs with no basis in fact.

Mohan stressed that a lunar eclipse is a harmless shadow event, well-understood since Aryabhata's era, and completely safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. He urged people to enjoy this rare celestial spectacle without fear, noting that raising scientific awareness is crucial to dispel myths that have historically led to unfortunate incidents.

The Blood Moon 2025 promises to be a captivating sight, with the partial phase visible from 9:57 PM on September 7 and the eclipse reaching its peak at 11:48 PM IST.