Longest Lunar Eclipse Of The Decade: Bengaluru Gets Clear View
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The night of 7-8 September 2025 transformed Bengaluru into a hub of celestial wonder as the city’s residents captured mesmerising images of the ‘ Blood Moon ’ during a total lunar eclipse . This rare astronomical event, known as Chandra Grahan , painted the moon in a striking crimson hue, drawing crowds to observatories and prompting a flurry of stunning photographs that went viral on social media. With an 82-minute totality, one of the longest in a decade, the eclipse offered a unique opportunity for skywatchers to witness nature’s grandeur without any special equipment. Let’s explore the highlights, timeline, and cultural significance of this unforgettable event.
A Breathtaking Celestial Event
The lunar eclipse began with its penumbral phase at 8:58 pm IST. However, the main event—the total eclipse—took place between 11:00 pm and 12:22 am IST. During this time, the Moon's red coloration was at its peak. This phenomenon occurs when Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing only the soft red light to illuminate the lunar surface. In Bengaluru, crowds assembled at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to witness the spectacle. An early visitor named Sahana shared her excitement, stating, "It was not fully red, but I could see the moon in a light grey shade. It was nice. It was a good experience. I am waiting for 11 PM to watch the blood moon."
Why Was the 2025 Blood Moon Special?
This total lunar eclipse stood out due to its remarkable duration of 82 minutes, one of the longest of the decade. The extended totality occurred because the moon passed through the centre of Earth’s shadow and was near its apogee, moving slower than usual. The ‘Blood Moon’ effect, where the moon takes on a reddish hue, happens when Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight, allowing soft red light to illuminate the lunar surface. This phenomenon turned the night sky into a canvas of crimson, captivating both amateur and professional photographers.
Social Media Buzz and Viral Photos
The eclipse sparked a photography frenzy, with Bengaluru residents showcasing their captures on social media. Posts on X highlighted the moon’s dramatic transformation, with one user noting, “Bengaluru’s skies tonight are unreal! The Blood Moon is a sight to behold.” The event’s visual appeal earned it a “BBC-like” reputation for its photography potential, as enthusiasts and professionals alike shared high-quality images that resonated across India and beyond. The viral photos underscored the universal allure of this celestial event.
In India, a lunar eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. Many observe the “sutak” period, a time when certain rituals are followed, and specific activities are avoided. Despite these customs, the eclipse attracted a wide audience, from those adhering to traditional practices to modern skywatchers eager to document the event. Experts also shared safe viewing guidelines, ensuring enthusiasts could enjoy the spectacle without risking eye strain.
A Breathtaking Celestial Event
The lunar eclipse began with its penumbral phase at 8:58 pm IST. However, the main event—the total eclipse—took place between 11:00 pm and 12:22 am IST. During this time, the Moon's red coloration was at its peak. This phenomenon occurs when Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing only the soft red light to illuminate the lunar surface. In Bengaluru, crowds assembled at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to witness the spectacle. An early visitor named Sahana shared her excitement, stating, "It was not fully red, but I could see the moon in a light grey shade. It was nice. It was a good experience. I am waiting for 11 PM to watch the blood moon."Why Was the 2025 Blood Moon Special?
This total lunar eclipse stood out due to its remarkable duration of 82 minutes, one of the longest of the decade. The extended totality occurred because the moon passed through the centre of Earth’s shadow and was near its apogee, moving slower than usual. The ‘Blood Moon’ effect, where the moon takes on a reddish hue, happens when Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight, allowing soft red light to illuminate the lunar surface. This phenomenon turned the night sky into a canvas of crimson, captivating both amateur and professional photographers.
Social Media Buzz and Viral Photos
The eclipse sparked a photography frenzy, with Bengaluru residents showcasing their captures on social media. Posts on X highlighted the moon’s dramatic transformation, with one user noting, “Bengaluru’s skies tonight are unreal! The Blood Moon is a sight to behold.” The event’s visual appeal earned it a “BBC-like” reputation for its photography potential, as enthusiasts and professionals alike shared high-quality images that resonated across India and beyond. The viral photos underscored the universal allure of this celestial event.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
In India, a lunar eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. Many observe the “sutak” period, a time when certain rituals are followed, and specific activities are avoided. Despite these customs, the eclipse attracted a wide audience, from those adhering to traditional practices to modern skywatchers eager to document the event. Experts also shared safe viewing guidelines, ensuring enthusiasts could enjoy the spectacle without risking eye strain.
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