The year 2023’s first Lunar Eclipse or Chandra Grahan is set to take place today at around 8:44 pm. Take a look at the regions where the eclipse will be visible
Lunar Eclipse will take place today (May 5) a few weeks after this year’s first Surya Grahan took place. India was not able to witness the Solar Eclipse 2023 as it was only visible in the South Pacific region. Though, Chandra Grahan 2023 will be visible to Indians
This Chandra Grahan has been termed as Penumbral Lunar Eclipse The celestial event occurs when the Moon passes deep into the outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the Penumbra. This time, the Moon will just miss the darker, inner part of Earth's shadow called the Umbra. Hence, the skywatchers will see the Moon darken but not completely disappear. As per Timeanddate.com, this will be the deepest Penumbral Eclipse until September 2042.
As per Timeanddate.com, Lunar Eclipse 2023 will begin at 8:44 pm on May 5 and end at 1:01 am on May 6. Lunar Eclipse timings in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh and other cities are the same
Yes, it is safe to watch the Lunar Eclipse with the naked eye. Though, Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is difficult to observe due to the subtle dimming effect and the imperfect alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. It might be only visible in carefully-controlled photographs or by people with acute eyesight
Lunar Eclipse 2023 can be witnessed in Asia, Australia, Africa, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica, and most of Europe. According to Space.com, the Penumbral Eclipse will not be visible at all from North America, South America and some parts of Europe
The year 2023 has 4 eclipses - 2 solar eclipses and 2 lunar eclipses. The first Solar Eclipse of this year took place on April 20. The second one will take place on October 14. While the first Lunar Eclipse of 2023 will take place today, the second one will take place on October 28
The Lunar Eclipse is coinciding with Buddha Purnima 2023. It marks the 258th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. People who follow Buddhism celebrate this day by reciting the teachings of Lord Buddha and spreading it across people.
This day is also celebrated as Vesak and this was the day when Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, he first taught the Dharma at Sarnath and in Khushinagar he left his body so there are three major pilgrimage sites
As per reports, Vaishakh Purnima will also be celebrated today. As per some religious beliefs, people offer water to Moon and perform holy rituals