Wed Sep 18 10:09:07 UTC 2024: ## Second and Final Lunar Eclipse of 2024 Concludes

The second and final lunar eclipse of 2024, a penumbral lunar eclipse, concluded on September 18th at 10:17 AM IST. The eclipse, which began at 6:12 AM IST, lasted for a total of 4 hours and 4 minutes.

While the eclipse was visible in parts of Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, it was not visible from India.

**Key Highlights:**

* The penumbral lunar eclipse, where the moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow, was not a total eclipse.
* The eclipse was visible for a significant duration, lasting over 4 hours.
* This was the final lunar eclipse for 2024.
* The next lunar eclipse will occur on March 3rd, 2026, followed by another on August 28th, 2026.
* While both eclipses in 2025 (March 14th and September 7th) will not be visible from India, the total solar eclipse on September 7th, 2025, will be visible in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

**Upcoming Eclipse in India:**

* The next eclipse visible from India will be an annular solar eclipse on October 2nd, 2024. It will begin at 9:13 PM IST and reach its peak at 3:17 AM IST.

**What is a Lunar Eclipse?**

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. This results in a darkened or reddish appearance of the moon.

**Observing Lunar Eclipses:**

Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye. The eclipse’s unique appearance, often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” is a fascinating celestial event for skywatchers.

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