Are you excited about the Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) happening on March 25th? Here’s a helpful guide with traditional beliefs on what to do and avoid during this celestial event.
Get ready to look up at the sky! The first eclipse of 2024 is here, and it’s a lunar one. On the morning of March 25th, you’ll have the chance to see a penumbral lunar eclipse. It’s a special moment when the Earth’s shadow partially covers the Moon, creating a mesmerizing sight. What makes this eclipse even more unique is that it falls during the Holi festival in India, making it a rare celestial occurrence.
During the eclipse, there are some traditional practices to keep in mind for your well-being. These include certain do’s and don’ts that have been followed for generations. By following these practices, you can participate in the eclipse while respecting traditional beliefs.
So, if you are planning to observe the Lunar Eclipse on March 25th, make sure to check out these guidelines for a fulfilling experience under the night sky.
Table of Contents
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
A penumbral lunar eclipse is when the Moon moves through the faint outer part of Earth’s shadow, called the penumbra. It’s not as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse, where the Moon is completely covered by Earth’s shadow. During a penumbral eclipse, the Moon may look a little dimmer, but it’s not a big change that you can easily see without special equipment.
One cool thing about a penumbral eclipse is that it’s safe to look at with your eyes. You don’t need special glasses like you do for a solar eclipse. If you have binoculars or a telescope, it can make the eclipse even more exciting to see, but you can still enjoy it just by looking up at the sky.
So, when there’s a penumbral lunar eclipse happening, you can go outside and watch it without worrying about hurting your eyes. It’s a neat way to see a bit of space magic right from your backyard!
The National History Museum explains that when the Moon moves into the outer part of Earth’s shadow, it’s called a penumbral lunar eclipse. During this type of eclipse, there aren’t many big changes you can see. The Moon just gets a little bit darker, but it’s hard to notice, even if you use a telescope.
Where and When to Watch the Lunar Eclipse in 2024?
Wondering when and where to catch the Lunar Eclipse in 2024? Well, on March 25th, the eclipse will be visible in many parts of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and some areas of Asia. The eclipse starts at 10:23 AM on Monday and reaches its peak at 12:43 PM, ending at 3:01 PM, lasting for about 4 hours and 36 minutes according to Drikpanchang.
For those eager to witness this celestial event, here’s a breakdown of where you can see it: Most of Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, Northeast Asia, and some western parts of Europe will have a view.
However, if you’re in places like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some other countries in western Asia, you won’t be able to see the eclipse. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to witness other astronomical events in the future!
Tips for Watching the Lunar Eclipse 2024:
Watching a penumbral eclipse can be interesting, even though it’s not as dramatic as other types of eclipses. If you’re in an area where you can see it, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Find a dark place with a clear view of the eastern sky. Lights from cities can make it hard to see the faint darkening of the Moon. Look for a spot with open skies and not too much artificial light around.
- You don’t need special equipment to see the eclipse. You can just use your eyes. Binoculars might help a bit, but they’re not necessary. They might make the Moon look a little bigger, but the dimming from the penumbra is usually too subtle to notice much difference.
- It might be chilly in the early morning, especially if you’re outside in a place where you can see the eastern horizon well. So, dress warmly to stay comfortable.
- Use a smartphone app to help you enjoy the eclipse even more. Some apps can tell you exactly when different parts of the eclipse will happen and show you where the Moon is in the sky.
- If you like taking pictures, you can try to capture the eclipse with your camera. It can be tricky because the dimming is so subtle, but it’s a fun challenge for people who enjoy taking photos of space. You might need a camera with a zoom lens and a tripod to get a good picture. You can look online for tips on how to take pictures of the Moon during an eclipse.
- If you miss seeing the eclipse in person, don’t worry! You can still find lots of pictures and videos of it online. Many websites and social media platforms will have live streams of the eclipse, and people will share their photos afterward.
Lunar Eclipse 2024: Things to Do and Avoid
For the Lunar Eclipse on March 25, 2024, there are no specific rules for the general public in India because the eclipse won’t be visible there. Traditionally, guidelines are followed only if the eclipse is visible in your area.
According to Drikpanchang, there won’t be any Sutak period for this lunar eclipse. Additionally, since it’s a penumbral eclipse and not fully visible, it won’t be considered for religious activities by Hindus. This means it won’t have much significance for eclipse watchers as the eclipse will hardly be visible to the naked eye.
Do’s:
- Take a bath before and after the eclipse: It’s believed that bathing before the eclipse washes away impurities, and bathing after cleanses any negativity absorbed during the eclipse.
- Meditate or chant: Meditation and chanting are seen as ways to connect with your inner self. During an eclipse, these practices can help harness positive energy.
- Eat vegetarian food: Some people opt for Sattvic foods, which are considered pure and light, to align with the eclipse’s energy.
- Donate to charity: Giving to charity is believed to generate good karma, potentially amplifying the eclipse’s positive effects.
Dont’s:
- Cook or eat during the eclipse: Some believe that doing so exposes you to negative energy, so they avoid cooking or eating altogether.
- Use sharp objects: Sharp objects are seen as symbolic of negativity, so some people avoid using them during the eclipse.
- Sleep during the eclipse: Some believe sleeping during an eclipse can lead to negative dreams, so they may stay awake or ensure a good night’s sleep before or after.
- Get stressed or anxious: Stress and anxiety can amplify negative effects, so practicing relaxation techniques or spending time with loved ones can help maintain a positive mindset during the eclipse.
Also Read: Holi 2024: Date, Time, History and Significance. All You Need To Know About The Colourful Festival
