A Celestial Convergence: Lunar Eclipse 2024 and Holi
The upcoming lunar eclipse in 2024, coinciding with the vibrant festival of Holi, marks a spectacular astronomical event. Set to occur on March 25, this penumbral lunar eclipse will align with the joyous festivities of Holi, India’s beloved festival of colors.
Timings
According to Space.com, the penumbral lunar eclipse is scheduled to commence at 10:24 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), reaching its maximum at 12:43 PM IST, and concluding by 3:01 PM IST.
Understanding the Phenomenon
As the full moon ascends on the evening of March 24 into the early hours of March 25, it will pass through the Earth’s penumbra, resulting in a subtle dimming effect known as a penumbral eclipse.
Visibility and Impact on Holi Celebrations
While the penumbral eclipse will captivate viewers in North and South America, it will unfortunately remain unseen in India. However, this lack of visibility eliminates concerns about its impact on Holi rituals, as there is no requirement to observe the sutak period.
Insight into a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
NASA categorizes it into three types – total, partial, and penumbral. During a penumbral eclipse, the moon traverses the penumbra, resulting in a subtle dimming effect that can be challenging to discern.
Upcoming Celestial Events
Looking ahead, NASA anticipates a partial eclipse on September 18, 2024, visible across America, Europe, and Africa.
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