Last lunar eclipse of the year

The last lunar eclipse of this year was seen in India. It was a partial lunar eclipse that started at 1:05 pm and was visible till 2:24 am. The lunar eclipse, which lasted for one hour and 19 minutes, was seen in different countries of the world as well as in India. The lunar eclipse was first seen in Chembur, Maharashtra, and finally it was seen in Rajkot, Gujarat.

Last night's lunar eclipse was the last astronomical event of this year. After this, the next lunar eclipse will occur on March 25, 2024. If we look at the calculation of Sharad Purnima date, month, year and transit, then in 2005 there was a lunar eclipse on Sharad Purnima and now in 2023 there was a situation of lunar eclipse on Sharad Purnima.

Lunar eclipse seen from Europe to Australia
The partial lunar eclipse was seen from almost everywhere on Earth, including India. Apart from India, it was seen over Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North/East South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica.

Country wise, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Turkey, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Britain, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Korea and also in the eastern part of Brazil. Partial lunar eclipse was seen.

What is lunar eclipse, why does it happen
The Earth and all other planets revolve around the Sun due to gravitational force. During the rotation of the Sun, many times such a situation arises when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon. During this time, sunlight does not reach the Moon and a lunar eclipse occurs due to the Earth's shadow falling on the Moon.

Lunar eclipse occurs only when the Sun, Earth and Moon are in a straight line, according to astronomical science, this is possible only on a full moon day. For this reason lunar eclipses occur only on full moon days.

How many types of lunar eclipses are there?

There are generally 3 types of lunar eclipses. These are called total, partial and penumbral lunar eclipses. Different astronomical conditions are responsible for each of these types of eclipses.

1. Total lunar eclipse: Total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun and Moon are in a straight line. Due to this, the Earth's shadow completely covers the Moon, causing complete darkness on the Moon.

2. Partial lunar eclipse: When the Earth's shadow covers only a part of the moon instead of covering the entire part, then a partial lunar eclipse occurs. During this time only a small part of the moon is dark.

3. Penumbral lunar eclipse: Penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow falls on the outer part of the Moon. This type of lunar eclipse is difficult to see.

What is the reason for complete and partial lunar eclipse at some places?
The main reason for total lunar eclipse in one part and partial lunar eclipse in the other part is the Earth's shadow falling on the Moon. There are two types of these.

First: Umbra: A total lunar eclipse is visible when the observer is in that part of the Earth from where the Moon appears completely covered by the Earth's shadow.

Second: Penumbra: Viewers watching from the penumbra see only a partial lunar eclipse.

How many times can a lunar eclipse occur in a year?
According to NASA, lunar eclipse occurs mostly twice in a year. The number of lunar eclipses in any year may also be 3. Of the total lunar eclipses that occur in hundreds of years, about 29% of lunar eclipses are total. On average, a total lunar eclipse can be seen from a single location every 2.5 years. The lunar eclipse lasts for 30 minutes to an hour.

How can we see the lunar eclipse
It is safer to see a lunar eclipse than a solar eclipse. Anyone can see it without eye protection and special equipment. You can see the lunar eclipse directly with your eyes without binoculars or a telescope.

Distance of Moon from Earth revealed during lunar eclipse
Many special scientific discoveries have been made due to lunar eclipse. Some of the major ones are as follows…

1. During the lunar eclipse in 150 BC i.e. about 2100 years ago, Greek scientists had determined the diameter of the Earth. This showed how big the Earth is.

2. 400 BC, Greek scientist Aristarchus had determined the distance of the Moon from the Earth with the help of lunar eclipse.

3. Later, Greek astrologer Claudius Ptolemy created one of the oldest world maps based on this in the second century i.e. 1800 years ago, which was named Ptolemy World Map.

Superstitions and scientific truths related to eclipse

First: Rahu tries to swallow the Moon
NASA has denied such claims and mythology. This happens only when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon. During this time, sunlight does not reach the Moon and a lunar eclipse occurs due to the Earth's shadow falling on the Moon.

Second: Lunar eclipse causes tsunami and other natural disasters
NASA believes that religious beliefs related to lunar eclipse are not the cause of tsunami or other natural disasters. Actually, at this time the Earth and the Moon are very close to each other. Therefore, the force of gravity is very high at this time. This is the reason why earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters occur after a lunar eclipse due to geographical changes occurring inside the Earth.

Third: During eclipse, already prepared food gets spoiled.
NASA refuses to accept the fact that food spoils during the eclipse. Scientists believe that it is completely safe to eat, drink and do daily activities during the eclipse.

Fourth: Lunar eclipse indicates something inauspicious
NASA refuses to believe this. Scientists call such things psychological confirmation bias. This means that even though we don't usually remember a lunar eclipse, when some event happens along with it, we remember it for a long time.

For example, there was a lunar eclipse on September 6, 1979, which was followed a month later by a typhoon in the Philippines in October 1979. After this, in many places of the world, the lunar eclipse was held responsible for this storm, but people do not remember what good happened after the lunar eclipse.