Lunar Eclipse 2023: The very first lunar eclipse of the year is all set to take place next month. Also known as ‘Chandra Grahan’, this lunar eclipse will be a Penumbral eclipse and will be visible from various parts of the world including Asia. The world recently witnessed the very first solar eclipse of the year on April 20 across the globe.
Lunar Eclipse 2023: Date And Timings
The first Chandra Grahan of the year 2023 is to take place on May 05 in different parts of the world. The Lunar Eclipse will take place from 8.45 PM IST on May 5 and 1:02 AM IST on May 06, during which the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow, resulting in a lunar eclipse, according to In The Sky.
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According to Drik Panchang, the Penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible in Sydney.
First Contact with the Penumbra - 01:15 AM
Maximum of Lunar Eclipse - 03:23 AM
Last Contact with the Penumbra - 05:30 AM
Duration of Penumbral Phase - 04 Hours 15 Mins 34 Secs
The magnitude of Penumbral Lunar Eclipse - 0.95
Lunar Eclipse 2023: Sutak Period
The sutak period is referred to as the inauspicious period before Chandra Grahan, during which the Earth's atmosphere is contaminated. Extra precautions should be taken to avoid any harmful side effects due to contamination during the sutak period of eclipses.
According to Drik Panchang, during Solar Eclipse Sutak is observed for 4 Prahars and during Lunar Eclipse Sutak is observed for 3 Prahars before Eclipse. There are a total of 8 Prahars from Sunrise to Sunrise. Hence Sutak is observed for 12 hours before the Solar Eclipse and for 9 hours before Lunar Eclipse.
Where Will The Lunar Eclipse 2023 Be Visible
The very first Chandra Grahan of the year will be visible from several parts of the world. The penumbral eclipse would be visible from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica. While None of the eclipses would be visible from most parts of North America and South America. Although the penumbral eclipse would be visible in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Mauritius and Singapore, none of the religious activities which are observed during the Lunar eclipse would be followed, as per Drik Panchang.
Lunar Eclipse 2023: How To Watch
The experts suggest to never watch a surya grahan or chandra grahan with naked eyes. Sky gazers from India can watch the lunar eclipse on May 5 after 8.44 pm. If the sky is clear, you can watch it with the naked eye. To enhance the lunar eclipse viewing experience, you can use binoculars or a telescope, reported India Times.