Lunar Eclipse 2025: Everything You Need to Know

 

🌑 What is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

• Unlike a solar eclipse, it is safe to watch with naked eyes.

• The Moon often looks reddish during a total eclipse → this is called a Blood Moon (because Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight and only the red part reaches the Moon).

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🌍 Types of Lunar Eclipse

1. Penumbral Eclipse – The Moon passes through Earth’s faint outer shadow (hard to notice).

2. Partial Eclipse – A part of the Moon goes into Earth’s dark shadow.

3. Total Eclipse – The whole Moon goes into Earth’s shadow (appears red).

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📅 Next Lunar Eclipse

The next one is a Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon):

• Date: 7–8 September 2025

• Visible in: India, Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas

• IST Timing:

• Start: 7 Sept, 8:58 PM

• Total Eclipse: 11:00 PM – 12:22 AM

• End: 8 Sept, 1:26 AM

Here’s a clear list of Do’s and Don’ts during a Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) — combining scientific facts and traditional beliefs (follow whichever matches your preference):

✅ Do’s

• Watch safely – Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are 100% safe to watch with naked eyes, binoculars, or telescopes.

• Photography – Great time to click photos of the “Blood Moon.”

• Spiritual practices (as per tradition) – Chanting mantras, meditation, or prayers are considered good.

• Cover/Store food & water – Traditionally people keep tulsi leaves or kusha grass in food and water containers to purify them.

• Pregnant women (belief-based) – Advised to stay indoors and avoid sharp objects, as a precaution in Indian culture.

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❌ Don’ts

• Don’t panic – Lunar eclipse has no harmful rays (unlike solar eclipse).

• Don’t cook or eat during eclipse (traditional belief) – Many avoid it; scientifically, it’s safe, but customs discourage it.

• Don’t look at it with fear – Some myths call it unlucky, but astronomically it’s a natural celestial event.

• Avoid starting new tasks – Tradition suggests not beginning anything important during the eclipse.

• Pregnant women (belief-based) – Traditionally advised not to go out or use knives/scissors during this period.

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👉 Scientific View:

• There’s no proven harm in eating, drinking, or stepping outside during a lunar eclipse.

• Most restrictions are cultural/religious practices.