New Delhi: A rare total lunar eclipse will occur tonight, September 7, with the Moon set to glow in a striking red hue. According to Indian Standard Time, the eclipse will begin at 9:58 PM and end at 1:26 AM, lasting for 3 hours and 29 minutes. The phase of totality will continue for 82 minutes.
Astronomers estimate that nearly 7 billion people worldwide, or about 85% of the global population, will have the chance to witness the celestial spectacle. The eclipse will be fully visible across Asia, East Africa, and Australia, while parts of Europe and Brazil’s eastern coast will observe it partially.
In India, the phenomenon will be visible nationwide, with clear views expected in at least 15 major cities including Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Nagpur, and Raipur, subject to weather conditions.
During the event, the Moon will first enter Earth’s shadow, causing partial dimming, before turning a deep red due to the Rayleigh scattering effect when Earth, Sun, and Moon align perfectly. It will gradually regain its natural brightness as the eclipse concludes.