Special: How to view the lunar eclipse in India

On June 15, we will see the century’s longest and darkest lunar eclipse. On this occasion, dnaindia.com gives you all that you need to know about the phenomenon. First up, Swati Kalra brings you this ready-reckoner.

 

Jatin Rathod, lecturer, Nehru Planetorium, Mumbai, explains all that you need to know about viewing tomorrow’s rare lunar eclipse.

 

Why is this lunar eclipse so important? Don’t they happen all the time?

An unusually long lunar eclipse -- with the moon immersed deeply inside the umbral (darker) shadow of the earth will occur -- on June 15. The last such instance was 87 years ago, and the next time this will happen is in 2041.

 

Can people in India view the lunar eclipse?

Yes, of course! The entire country can view the eclipse.

 

Which cities in India will get the best view?

This lunar eclipse can be viewed clearly from anywhere in India. There are no specific places to be mentioned. Only, people in places where it is cloudy cannot view it.

 

Apart from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan are a few countries where the lunar eclipse will be visible. Almost the entire Eastern Hemisphere can see it.

 

What time would the lunar eclipse be visible?

The lunar eclipse will be visible in India from 23:52 pm, June 15 to 3:32 am June 16. It is normally visible for almost 100 minutes but this year the duration will be more than ever before.

 

Is it safe to view it? Will I go blind?

The lunar eclipse will not harm one’s eyes and it is safe to view with the naked eye, though you can use telescopes also for better results.

 

What are the precautions one needs to take?

To view a lunar eclipse, one does not need any precautions. They do not harm your eyes. It is the solar eclipse that is harmful to view with naked eyes so one needs special binoculars, glasses or pin hole cameras etc.

 

How will it look exactly? Is there anything specific I should look for?

This year, it will be a very interesting phenomenon. Usually, during a lunar eclipse, the moon acts as screen and one can see a round object passing through the shadow of the earth. But this time, the entire moon will turn dark and the sky will be equally dark. You can glimpse a dark red coppery outline during the beginning and at the end of the totality, otherwise, the sky will go completely dark.