Wed Sep 18 03:55:07 UTC 2024: ## Partial Lunar Eclipse Graces the Skies, but Not for India
On September 18th, 2024, the world witnessed the second and final lunar eclipse of the year. This penumbral lunar eclipse, starting at 6:11 AM IST, was visible across parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America, but notably **not** in India.
This phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface. A partial lunar eclipse arises when the Earth’s shadow covers only a portion of the Moon, giving it a reddish hue, often referred to as a “blood moon.”
While the eclipse itself was not visible in India, some astrological traditions observe a period of “sutak” during lunar eclipses. This period, which begins nine hours before the eclipse and ends at its completion, is considered inauspicious and may prompt certain practices like abstaining from worship and food. However, as the eclipse was not visible in India, the sutak period was not applicable.
The eclipse reached its maximum phase at 8:14 AM IST before gradually receding. The entire event lasted until 10:17 AM IST, leaving behind a celestial spectacle for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.
First Piper 