Kolkata gears up for lunar eclipse on Sunday

KOLKATA: Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts in Kolkata are in for a celestial treat as a total lunar eclipse will be visible in the night sky on Sunday, Sept 7. This astronomical event, which will also feature a "blood moon," promises to be a captivating spectacle for residents.

The only dampner could be a cloudy sky and rains. The total lunar eclipse will be visible across Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe, with approximately 85% of the world's population having the opportunity to witness either the partial or total phases of the eclipse. In Kolkata, the event will unfold over several hours, providing ample time for viewers to enjoy the phenomenon.The eclipse will commence at 8.58 pm on Sept 7 when the moon enters the penumbral shadow of the Earth.

Although the initial phase may be subtle and difficult to discern with the naked eye, the excitement will build as the moon begins to enter the Earth's umbra at 9.57 pm. This marks the start of the partial eclipse phase, where the moon will gradually darken.

The highlight of the night will occur at 11 pm when the total eclipse begins. During this phase, the moon will be completely engulfed in the Earth's shadow, taking on a striking copper-reddish hue, commonly referred to as a "blood moon."

This totality phase will last for 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022.The total eclipse will conclude at 12.22 am on Sept 8, transitioning back into a partial eclipse as the moon slowly emerges from the Earth's shadow. By 1.26 am, the moon will regain its full brightness, and the penumbral eclipse will officially end at 2.25 am.Debiprosad Duari, former director of the M P Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, emphasized the unique opportunity for Kolkata residents to witness this celestial event.

"The moon will be high above the horizon during the eclipse, providing a clear view of the blood moon, although the red hue may be less pronounced compared to locations where the eclipse occurs near moonrise or moonset," he explained.The last total lunar eclipse visible from India occurred on Nov 8, 2022. The next opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse in its entirety will not come until Dec 31, 2028, making this week's event a must-see for skywatchers.As the city prepares for this rare astronomical event, residents are encouraged to find a comfortable spot with an unobstructed view of the sky to fully appreciate the beauty of the lunar eclipse. Whether viewed through telescopes, binoculars, or simply with the naked eye, the total lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable experience for all.