The last total Lunar Eclipse of this year, also called the Chandra Grahan in Hindi, will happen on November 8, 2022. During the lunar eclipse this year one can also witness the Moon turning completely red, also called the Blood Moon, which makes it an all the more exciting event. As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this is not just the last Blood Moon of this year but also the last total lunar eclipse as the next such celestial event would then occur on March 14, 2025 — i.e. three years later. However, 'we will continue to see partial and penumbral lunar eclipses during that time,' as per NASA.
In order to help you know more about the last Blood Moon of 2022 and to view it, here are some frequently asked questions about it:
What is Blood Moon?
'A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon,' as per a report on NASA's official website.When will the last Blood Moon of 2022 be seen?
As per the American space agency, the last Blood Moon of 2022 will be seen on November 8 (Tuesday). The partial lunar eclipse will occure at 4:44 AM EST i.e. roughly 2:14 PM IST. And the total lunar eclipse, whereing the Blood Moon will be seen, will happen at 05:17 am EST ie. 2:47 pm IST. The peak of the lunar eclipse will take place at 4:29 pm IST. The lunar eclipse occurance is expected to end by 6:42 am EST i.e. 4:12 pm IST.Where can one watch the last Blood Moon of 2022?
'Totality ― the stage of the eclipse where the Moon is entirely in Earth’s shadow ― will be visible across North and Central America and in Ecuador, Colombia, and western portions of Venezuela and Peru. In Puerto Rico, the Moon sets just after totality begins. The eclipse is also visible in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Viewers in Alaska and Hawaii will have the opportunity to see every stage of the eclipse,' reads a statement on NASA's website.As per Timeanddate.com, the total lunar eclipse and the Blood Moon will be seen from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh between 4:23 pm and 7:26 IST. The partial lunar eclipse can also be seen from other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Gandhinagar, and Srinagar.How to watch the last Blood Moon of this year online?
There are various organisations, including NASA, that present the live streams and recorded videos of the lunar eclipse. You can easily search for them online. 'You can also visit NASA’s Dial-a-Moon for a visualization of the eclipse,' as per their official website.Are there any precautions one should take?
No. Blood Moon occurance happens due to a lunar eclipse and so unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is quite safe to be observed and can be seen through the naked eyes. While no special equipments are needed to watch a lunar eclipse and the Blood Moon, a telescope or binocular would help you enhance your viewing experience.
