The first significant astronomical event of September will be the total lunar eclipse. This ‘blood moon’ will be visible across a wide range of locations, including Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, offering a viewing opportunity for billions worldwide.
The lunar eclipse will begin at 9:57 pm on September 7th, as per Indian Standard Time (IST), and will end at 1:26 am on September 8th. The period of complete eclipse, when the Moon will be fully within Earth’s shadow, will occur from 11:42 pm to 12:47 am. During totality, the Moon will take on a red appearance, and this will be visible for approximately 65 minutes.
A total lunar eclipse is caused by a precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment casts Earth’s umbra, or darkest shadow, onto the lunar surface. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, the blue light is filtered out, and the remaining red light refracts, causing the Moon to glow red.
In India, the eclipse will be clearly visible in 15 cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Patna, Bhopal, and Bhubaneswar. However, observation may depend on weather conditions.
Eastern Indian cities like Kolkata and Guwahati will see the start of the eclipse earlier because the moonrise will happen sooner. Conversely, western cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad will also experience the eclipse, though the moonrise will be delayed.
In Hindu tradition, the Sutak Kaal, a period of ritual impurity, begins nine hours before the eclipse. During Sutak Kaal, temples are closed. This period will start at 12:57 pm on September 7th, lasting until the eclipse concludes on September 8th at 1:26 am. It is customary for many in India to avoid cooking, eating, and performing auspicious tasks during Sutak. Temples will reopen on the morning of September 8th after purification.