'Blood Moon total lunar eclipse' captivates stargazers worldwide

A total lunar eclipse, also known as known as a ‘Blood Moon’ or ‘Chandra Grahan’, graced the heavens for 82 minutes on Sunday night, captivating stargazers across Asia, parts of Europe and Africa, with India and China offering front-row seats to this cosmic drama.

The Moon's transformation into a deep red orb is nothing short of mesmerising.

Science behind the spectacle

• The Sun, Earth and Moon align perfectly, casting Earth's shadow onto the Moon.
• Sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter blue and violet wavelengths, while longer red and orange wavelengths bend towards the Moon, bathing it in a warm, coppery glow.
• The intensity and tone of the red hue vary with atmospheric conditions like dust, pollution, or volcanic ash, making each Blood Moon unique.

India: Clouds played spoilsport

From Ladakh to Tamil Nadu, skywatchers turned their gaze towards the moon Sunday night to witness a rare 'Blood Moon' or the total lunar eclipse. The earth's shadow started covering the lunar disc at 9:57 pm as the Moon played hide and seek in the cloudy skies with monsoon rains lashing parts of the country. The next total lunar eclipse will be visible from the country on December 31, 2028.

Where all did the magic unfold?

• Asia, particularly India and China, enjoyed optimal viewing conditions.
• The eclipse was also visible from eastern Africa and western Australia.
• Unfortunately, the Americas missed this spectacle, but the next total lunar eclipse visible in the US is slated for March 3, 2026.

This celestial event was a photographer's dream, with the Moon's striking red tones offering incredible opportunities for stunning captures. Skies were alive with enthusiasts in open fields, rooftops and crowded streets, all sharing in the wonder of this ancient astronomical phenomenon.

A rare total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will be visible in part of Europe on August 12, 2026.