Kathmandu, September 7
A total lunar eclipse will occur tonight on Bhadra Shukla Purnima, marking the first lunar eclipse of 2082 BS.
During the total eclipse, the moon will appear red, a phenomenon commonly known as a “blood moon.” This occurs because Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light while allowing red light to reach the moon’s surface.
The eclipse will be visible across Nepal, India, most of Asia, western Australia, and Europe, covering nearly 85 per cent of the global population.
According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, the eclipse will begin at 10:11 pm and end at 1:41 am, lasting three and a half hours. If skies remain clear, the phenomenon will be visible from Kathmandu.
The committee added that another partial lunar eclipse will take place later this year during Falgun Shukla Purnima.
Lunar eclipses occur on full moon nights when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. When the moon is completely covered, it is called a total lunar eclipse, and when partially covered, a partial lunar eclipse.
While many religious beliefs discourage eating, worship, or certain activities during eclipses, scientists urge people to view the event scientifically and, if possible, study it. Experts caution against looking at such events with the naked eye for long periods and recommend proper equipment for safe observation.
