Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, June 2020: India and other countries to witness Chandra Grahan

The penumbral lunar eclipse is expected to occur on June 5, Friday. This Rose Moon will be visible in india and other countries. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon which in turn casts a shadow over the moon.

This lunar eclipse is also called strawberry moon eclipse because the fruit ripens in this season.

When and where to watch the June 2020 lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan)

The penumbral lunar eclipse will start at 11:15pm IST on June 5 and last until 2:34am IST on June 6, which is about three hours and 18 minutes. It will be visible from Eastern Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia including India, and Australia. As per the data by NASA, the eclipse will be visible to people living in the Eastern coast of South America, Western Africa, and Europe at Moonrise and to people in Japan and New Zealand at Moonset.

The lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Antarctica. For those in Asia, Australia, Europe or Africa the Honey moon will appear a bit darker during the maximum phase.

How to watch the lunar eclipse

The penumbral lunar eclipse may be hard to spot but popular YouTube channels including Slooh and Virtual Telescope are known to host livestreams. Virtual Telescope Project 2.0 is will be carrying a live webcast of the eclipse that will be hosted by astronomer Gianluca Masi. If you live in one of the regions where this lunar eclipse will be visible, just go outside or on your roof and watch it with your eyes. You don’t need any special eyewear. As mentioned, the eclipse may be a little hard to spot.

Dos and Don’ts during Lunar Eclipse in 2020

Unlike Solar Eclipse, you can watch Lunar Eclipse with bare eyes.

It is believed by many in India that one should avoid consuming food during the time the lunar eclipse.

As per the religious beliefs, many people in India don’t worship or visit the temple during this time. Cooking during the Chandra Grahan period is also prohibited.

The next penumbral lunar eclipses of the year will take place on July 5 and November 30.