September 8, 2025

CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 08/09/2025: The sky put on a beautiful show Sunday night as the rare Blood Moon rose during a total lunar eclipse, thrilling star lovers from Ladakh down to Tamil Nadu. The lunar eclipse began as early as 9:57 pm, with the earth's shadow slowly crawling over the moon. By 11:01 pm, the full shadow covered the moon, turning it a stunning coppery red – a sight fondly known as the 'Blood Moon.' "The Moon will be fully eclipsed from 11.01 pm to 12.23 am for a duration of 82 minutes," said Niruj Mohan Ramanujam, Head of Science, Communication, Public Outreach and Education at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Why the moon turns red? B S Shylaja, a former director at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, explained, "The moon appears red during lunar eclipses because the only sunlight reaching it is reflected and scattered through the earth's atmosphere." To share this cosmic marvel with the public, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics pointed its telescopes at the moon from Bengaluru, Ladakh, and Tamil Nadu. These views were streamed live on social media, making sure nobody missed the action—even when monsoon clouds spoiled the party for many. This total lunar eclipse was the longest visible from India since 2022 and the first time since July 27, 2018, it was seen from all corners of the country. Skywatchers across Asia and parts of Europe, Africa, and western Australia were also treated to this glowing phenomenon. The next big show is set for December 31, 2028. Astronomy fans know eclipses don't happen every full moon because of the moon's tilted orbit. The earth moves between the sun and the moon during a lunar eclipse, casting its shadow on the moon. Unlike solar eclipses, a total lunar eclipse is safe to watch with just the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. In Indian culture, the lunar eclipse still sparks many superstitions. Some avoid eating, drinking, or physical activity, worrying about poison or bad energy. There are beliefs that eclipses harm pregnant women and their babies. But experts warn these fears are all myths. Ramanujam said, "It is perfectly safe to go outside and eat while enjoying this magnificent celestial spectacle." Scientists remind us that lunar eclipses are just shadows playing on the moon—a fact understood since the times of Aryabhata, India's ancient astronomer. Sadly, old myths have sometimes caused trouble during eclipses, underlining the urgent need to spread real science. So next time the moon blushes red in the sky, remember: it's a dazzling dance of shadows—safe and stunning for all to watch!

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Tags: Blood moon, Lunar eclipse, India, Indian institute of astrophysics, Celestial event, Skywatchers,