KATHMANDU: A total lunar eclipse (Khagras Chandra Grahan) will occur today, on the full moon day of Bhadra Shukla Purnima. This is the first lunar eclipse of the year 2025.
During the total eclipse, the moon will appear red—a phenomenon commonly known as a “blood moon.” This reddish appearance occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of light while allowing the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon.
The eclipse will be visible to approximately 85 percent of the population across Nepal, India, other parts of Asia, Western Australia, and Europe—provided the skies remain clear.
According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnaya Bikas Samiti, the lunar eclipse will begin at 10:11 p.m. tonight and will end at 1:41 a.m. If weather permits, the eclipse will be visible from Kathmandu for approximately three and a half hours.
Astronomically, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, and all three bodies align in a straight line. During this alignment, the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon and casts its shadow on the lunar surface.
We usually see the Moon because it reflects sunlight. However, when the Earth obstructs this light, the Moon appears partially or fully darkened. If the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, it results in a total lunar eclipse; if only a part is covered, it is called a partial eclipse.
Similarly, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth.
While eclipses are natural astronomical events, some religious traditions consider the eclipse period inauspicious. Many followers of these beliefs avoid worship, eating, or engaging in certain activities, including intimacy, during the eclipse.
However, scientists reject such superstitions. They encourage people to observe and study eclipses scientifically. Experts also warn that one should never view a solar eclipse with the naked eye, as it can cause serious eye damage.
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