Wed Sep 18 04:18:58 UTC 2024: ## Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Graces Skies on September 18, 2024
**New Delhi, India** – A penumbral lunar eclipse, the second of 2024, graced the skies on September 18th. The event, however, was not visible from India.
The eclipse began at 6:12 AM IST and lasted for approximately 4 hours, ending at 10:17 AM IST. While the penumbral phase of the eclipse was visible in Europe, South and North America, and parts of Africa, India missed out on the celestial spectacle due to the rising sun.
A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbra, or the outer, fainter part of its shadow. This causes a subtle dimming of the lunar surface, which can be difficult to detect without careful observation.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. Observers in regions where the eclipse was visible could enjoy a unique view of the moon as it dipped into the Earth’s shadow, potentially appearing as a “Blood Moon” during the event’s maximum phase.
Despite being invisible in India, the eclipse provided an opportunity for astronomical observation and scientific study. It served as a reminder of the celestial dance that continues above us, even when obscured by the light of day.
First Piper 