Chandra Grahan 2023: These cities will witness the rare penumbral lunar eclipse

The first of the two lunar eclipses this year will be seen in many parts of the world on May 5. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes deep into the outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra.

The May 5 lunar eclipse is a rare occurrence since it will not happen again for another 19 years. The next penumbral eclipse will happen in September 2042.

Will this lunar eclipse be visible in India?

Yes, the eclipse will be seen in India, if the sky is clear. It will start at 8.44 pm and end at 1.01 am on May 6 morning. It is hard to get a glimpse of the lunar eclipse as the penumbral shadow of the earth would cover only 95% of the moon during the maximum of the eclipse. However, you can watch it as NASA will be live-streaming it on its YouTube channel.

Lunar eclipse timings in India

Starting of first lunar eclipse of 2023: 08:44 pm
Maximum of lunar eclipse: 10:53 pm
Last contact with the Penumbra: 01:01 am, May 06
Penumbral phase duration: 04 hours 18 minutes
Penumbral lunar eclipse magnitude: 0.95

Which parts of the world can see the lunar eclipse?

People living in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica will have the opportunity to see every stage of the lunar eclipse.

Most parts of North America and South America will not get to see the astronomical event on May 5.

According to Drik Panchang, the Penumbral lunar eclipse would be visible from New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad.

Well-known cities like Berlin, Berlin, Cairo, Rome, Tokyo, Madrid, Sydney, Dubai, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Karachi, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Johannesburg will get to see the Penumbral lunar eclipse.