Lunar Eclipse 2019: An Astronomical Coincidence after 149 Years in India

After midnight today, you must book your seats beneath the sky, for the last lunar eclipse of the year is going to take place, tonight, for as long as 5 hours 34 minutes.

The celestial shows have always been mystifying to us, the earthly beings. And tonight, an exclusive lunar eclipse will be stunning us once again. The eclipse will be partial in the beginning and eventually, it will reach its darkest phase.

A few minutes after the stroke of midnight, approximately at 12:13 am, July 17, the skyevent will be beginning and reach a maximum eclipse at 3 am. From 1:31 am to 4:29 the eclipse will be partial, after that it will be entering into its penumbral state.

While the whole of India would be fortunate enough to enjoy the partial eclipse, only the western and central part of the nation can behold the total eclipse.

Parts of Europe, Africa, South America and Australia can also watch the eclipse.

As the eclipse is taking place on the same day with Guru Purnima after 149 long years, it is indeed a coincidence! And the next lunar eclipse will occur on May 26, 2021.

And my dear fellow stargazers, leave no room for superstitions! A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes in between the Moon and the Sun, when the Moon passes behind the Earth, into its shadow. Also remember, a lunar eclipse happens only on a full moon night. And yes, you may view it with your naked eyes!

Hope to see you tonight at this universal extravaganza.