From rooftop gatherings in Delhi to coastal watch parties in Chennai, millions of Indians turned their eyes skyward on Sunday night to witness a rare celestial spectacle: the Blood Moon. The total lunar eclipse, visible across the country, bathed the moon in a deep crimson hue, captivating skywatchers and rekindling ancient traditions.
What Is a Blood Moon?
A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon. As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter while longer red wavelengths bend toward the Moon, giving it a coppery glow.
This year’s eclipse lasted an impressive 82 minutes, making it one of the longest and most vivid in recent memory.
Visibility Across India
The eclipse was visible from every region of India, including:
- North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur
- South: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
- East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati
- West: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune
- Central: Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur
Despite monsoon clouds obscuring views in some areas, live streams and public observatories helped bridge the gap, turning the event into a shared national experience.
Cultural Significance and Public Response
In many Indian households, the eclipse—known as Chandra Grahan—is steeped in spiritual significance. Traditional practices such as fasting, avoiding food during the Sutak period, and staying indoors were observed by some, while astronomy clubs hosted educational events to promote scientific awareness.
Ramanujam, a senior astronomer in Chennai, emphasized:
“Lunar eclipses are shadow phenomena, understood since Aryabhata’s time. They pose no risk to people or animals.”
When Is the Next Blood Moon?
The next total lunar eclipse visible across India will occur on December 31, 2028. While partial eclipses may occur sooner, this will be the next full Blood Moon visible nationwide.
