2020 Lunar Eclipse: The second lunar eclipse of the year is July 5
New Delhi:
The second lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan of 2020 will take place on July 5. It will be a penumbral lunar eclipse during the day and many of us may not be able to see it clearly. The importance of this lunar eclipse will be all the greater as it coincides with the full Moon Buck.
What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?
The lunar eclipse is of three types: total, partial and penumbral. The penumbral eclipse occurs when the Earth, the Moon and the Sun are not completely aligned. Earth will partially block sunlight from reaching the moon. Only a lighter outer shadow of the Earth – the penumbra – will fall on the moon.
Lunar eclipse: when and where can you watch it
Passionate sky lovers and only those who follow it closely can see Chandra Grahan this year in India as it will take place during the day.
The first contact with the dark: 8h38
Maximum impact of the eclipse: 9:59
Last contact with darkness: 11:21 a.m.
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
What is a Buck Moon?
The full moon in July is called Buck Moon. American and European farming communities have often named moons. According to a NASA blog, at the beginning of the summer, new antlers come out of their foreheads. A full moon at this time is known as the Buck Moon. Some also called it Thunder Moon because of the frequent thunderstorms in the early summer months. Some even called it the Hay Moon because of the hay crop.
For generations, eclipses inspired fear and dread among many people. People used to view eclipses as a kind of aberration. People prayed for hours, did not eat during the eclipse. In India, it is common to dive in the river after the end of the eclipse.
Scientists have dispelled the myths and fear the surrounding eclipses. Planets, moons, asteroids and meteors move all the time and there is no need to be afraid or to block activities during cosmic events. But it is important not to look at the eclipse with the naked eye. There are special glasses to attend solar or lunar eclipses.
