Lunar Eclipse takes place when Earth’s shadow resist light coming from the Sun. However, there are 3 types of Lunar Eclipse- Total, Partial, And Penumbral Eclipse.
There will be a total of 4 Lunar Eclipse in the year 2020. The upcoming will be penumbral and will occur on January 10, 2020. It can be seen in areas of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Lunar Eclipse takes place only at Full Moon. It occurs only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line. In case this alignment is not perfect, it results in partial eclipse. The ideal position of Earth, Moon, and Sun doesn’t occur on every full moon.
Earth throws shadows on the moon. The moon goes through these shadows in different phases. The starting and ending stages -when the moon is in the penumbral shadow – are not so detectable, so the best part of an eclipse is mid of the episode when the moon is in the umbral shadow.
Total: Earth completely comes between the Sun and Moon and fully covers the moon with its shadow.
Partial: In this situation, Earth comes between sun and moon, but covers only one part of the moon.
Penumbral: In this case, all three bodies are imperfectly aligned. The outer part of Earth cast a vague shadow on Moon.
Lunar Eclipses are one of the easiest astronomical events to observe. You don’t need any special type of equipment like a telescope. Binoculars will be sufficient to pick out details in this sky event.
In India, the eclipse will begin at 10:37 PM on the 10th of January and ends at 2:42 AM on 11th January. The eclipse will be visible from everywhere on the night side of Earth. The total timing of eclipse will be 4 hrs and 5 minutes.
January 10 lunar eclipse can be seen from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Arctic region. Most parts of North America and the eastern part of South America will also see the astronomical event.
A viral superstition in India is not to eat during this celestial alignment. Cooking, eating, and drinking supposed to be going bad in this period. Pregnant womens are advised not to go outside during this eclipse period. Also, in many parts of the world use of sharp objects like knives is believed to be a curse. But this all is based on totally wrong concepts.
There will be a total of 4 Lunar eclipses going to occur in the year 2020. After 10th January, the next three lunar eclipses will occur on 5th June, 5th July, and 30th November.
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