KATHMANDU: A rare penumbral lunar eclipse is set to occur this evening (Tuesday), with the moon expected to rise already under eclipse conditions.
According to Prof. Dr. Jayant Acharya, senior astronomer at Balmiki Campus, the moon will rise at 6:04 pm in Kathmandu, and the eclipse will be visible from various parts of Nepal.
He described the event as special and relatively rare, as the moon will appear above the horizon already partially covered by Earth’s shadow.
Acharya said that as the moon rises, more than half of it will appear dimmed under the Earth’s penumbral shadow. The eclipse is expected to be clearly visible from Kathmandu for about an hour after moonrise.
Astronomers have clarified that no special equipment or protective glasses are required to observe a lunar eclipse. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are harmless to the eyes and can be safely viewed with the naked eye from open spaces.
A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. A solar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on the Earth.
During a lunar eclipse, anyone on the night side of the Earth can see the event. However, a solar eclipse is only visible from specific locations where the moon’s shadow falls.
Scientists emphasize that lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe, while viewing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection to prevent damage.
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