Total lunar eclipse: COSMOS-Mysuru to hold special event on Sept. 7

The Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS)-Mysuru of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, in association with the NIE IUCEE Student Chapter, is organising a special event on the occasion of the total lunar eclipse of 2025 at the DJB Ground, NIE South Campus, Vidyaranyapuram, here on Sunday, September 7.

The event will feature a talk on the total lunar eclipse by the Education and Outreach team of COSMOS-Mysuru, followed by observation of the moon and the eclipse through telescopes.

The event is open to all, but registration is mandatory due to limited seating. The event will be held from 8.30 p.m. to 11.45 p.m.

The eclipse will begin at 8.58 p.m., enter its partial phase at 9.57 p.m., and reach totality at 11.01 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur at 11.42 p.m., and the total phase ends at 12.23 a.m., followed by the gradual end of the eclipse at 2.25 a.m. This is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022, and the next such event in India will not happen until December 31, 2028, a press release said.

“A total lunar eclipse, also called a ‘Copper Moon’, takes place when the Earth comes directly between the sun and the moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. During totality, the moon turns deep red as a result of sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, the same reason behind red sunrises and sunsets. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye; binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience,” the release said.

Jayanth K., assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, and Mayura Tapkire, associate professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said, “This event provides a good opportunity for students to witness a celestial phenomenon first hand, inspiring curiosity in astronomy, while making science engaging and memorable. We are glad that the NIE-IUCEE student chapter continues to encourage such initiatives that blend learning with experience, fostering a spirit of exploration among students.”

The link for registration is https://bit.ly/COSMOS-TLE.

Organisers said that all participants, including members of the public and NIE students, must enter the campus before 9.00 p.m. For more details or queries, email [email protected] or call +91-7760541644/8867197294.