Chandra Grahan 2024: Holi and Lunar Eclipse Time And Myth vs Science

The year's first lunar eclipse is happening today, March 25, which is Panguni Utthiram and Holi festival day.

The lunar eclipse will start at 10:24 am and last until 3:01 pm. In many cultures, including India, a solar or lunar eclipse is considered to be bad and harmful for pregnant women. It is believed that the eclipse can affect child development.

What is a Penumbral lunar eclipse?

A penumbral lunar eclipse is the subtlest type of lunar eclipse and occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's penumbra. The Moon's surface may appear slightly fainter, but the difference is usually difficult to notice with the naked eye. 

Lunar Eclipse And Science:

No scientific evidence supports this superstition, but it is deeply entrenched in our culture. It is believed that an eclipse's malefic effects affect women exposed to direct rays of the Sun or Moon during the eclipse. That's why it's often recommended to stay indoors during an eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, the sun's rays are stronger than usual and can harm your eyesight if you look directly at the sun. You should not watch the eclipse without special glasses to protect your eyes. Lunar eclipses are not as harmful to your eyesight as solar eclipses.

There are various dos and don'ts that you might hear from friends and family in the hours before and after the eclipse. While there are many cultural beliefs around lunar eclipses, there's no scientific need to change your behavior drastically.

Here's a breakdown of some common practices:

Do's:

Find a viewing spot: If you're in a location where the eclipse is visible, find a dark area with a clear view of the eastern sky. Binoculars can enhance the view but aren't necessary for a penumbral eclipse, the kind happening on March 25, 2024.

Take photos: Capture the event with a camera and tripod for stunning astrophotography.

Relax and enjoy: Eclipses are beautiful celestial events, so relax and enjoy the experience!

Don'ts:

Stress about eating or cooking: There's no scientific reason to avoid eating or cooking during a lunar eclipse.

Worry about using sharp objects: This is a cultural belief with no scientific basis.

Skimp on sleep: Don't lose sleep to avoid nightmares. Eclipses do not affect dreams.

These are just some of the do's and don'ts surrounding lunar eclipses. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy this fascinating astronomical phenomenon. The penumbral lunar eclipse coinciding with the festival of Holi will occur on March 25, 2024. It will begin at 10:24 am IST, reach its maximum at 12:43 pm IST, and end at 3:01 pm IST.