As people across India gear up to celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi on March 25, they’ll also miss witnessing the first lunar eclipse of the year. Scheduled to commence at 10:23 am on Monday morning, the penumbral eclipse will be visible to viewers in North and South America, but not to those in India.
This unique celestial event holds significance for astronomers and skywatchers alike. During a penumbral eclipse, the moon experiences a slight darkening effect as it passes through the faint outer part of Earth’s shadow. The eclipse is expected to last for 4 hours and 39 minutes, ending at 3:02 pm.
While lunar eclipses typically prompt religious considerations and restrictions in India, the invisibility of this particular eclipse will exempt it from such norms. Consequently, temple doors will remain open, and there will be no restrictions on religious activities during the eclipse period.
Explaining the phenomenon, a NASA blog excerpt describes how the full moon will traverse through the Earth’s penumbra, creating the penumbral eclipse effect. This event serves as a prelude to the total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, where the moon will completely block the face of the sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
Despite missing out on the lunar eclipse, Indians will fervently celebrate Holi, a festival renowned for its vibrant colors and joyous spirit. Preceded by the ritual of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, Holi is dedicated to Lord Krishna, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the festivities.
While the lunar eclipse may go unnoticed in India this year, the celestial spectacle serves as a reminder of the wonders of the universe, captivating astronomers and enthusiasts worldwide.
