Guwahati Gears Up for Spectacular Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing Event
The city of Guwahati is set to experience a captivating total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, as the moon moves entirely into Earth's shadow, adopting a striking reddish tint commonly referred to as a 'blood moon.' This astronomical phenomenon promises to draw significant attention from residents and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Planetarium Organizes Special Public Screening
In response to the high public interest, the Guwahati Planetarium has meticulously planned a special screening event for local residents eager to observe the eclipse. Scientific officer Babul Chandra Bora disclosed that the venue anticipates welcoming between 100 and 200 visitors and has implemented comprehensive arrangements to facilitate public viewing.
"Those interested in witnessing the eclipse will have the option to view it directly through our telescopes or watch a live projection on a screen, which will broadcast real-time footage captured by the equipment," Bora explained. He further noted that food and beverages have been organized for attendees during the event, aiming to dispel any superstitions associated with lunar eclipses.
Eclipse Timing and Visibility Details
Bora provided detailed insights into the eclipse's schedule and regional visibility. The partial phase will commence at 3:20 PM IST, with totality occurring from 4:34 PM to 5:33 PM. Following this, the eclipse will revert to a partial phase before concluding at 6:48 PM.
"During this event, only the northeastern region of India will have the opportunity to witness the total phase, while the remainder of the country will observe only a partial eclipse," he stated. Specifically, in Dibrugarh, the blood red moon is expected to rise at 5:08 PM, whereas in Guwahati, it will appear at 5:22 PM.
Guwahati is projected to enjoy the total phase for approximately nine minutes, a rare occurrence according to Bora. He highlighted that similar eclipses in recent years, such as those in 2015 and 2021, did not allow the city to view the totality due to timing discrepancies with moonrise.
Historical Context and Rarity of the Event
Bora emphasized the uniqueness of this eclipse for Guwahati, noting past instances where visibility was limited. "In 2015, a comparable total lunar eclipse took place, but Guwahati missed the totality because it occurred between 5:27 PM and 5:32 PM, while the moon rose at 5:38 PM—after the total phase had already ended. The city also could not see the totality during the 2021 event," he recounted.
This makes Tuesday's eclipse a particularly special opportunity for the city's residents to engage with a full lunar spectacle, enhancing public awareness and appreciation for astronomical events.
