Jun 15, 2011

Darkest Lunar Eclipse tonight (15th Jun 2011)

Today we are going to witness a darkest Lunar Eclipse in decades. The last such a dark eclipse happened in 1971 and the next will be in 2058.

The Chandragrahan will be taking place in India between 23:53 hrs and 03:32 hrs (that is, 11:53 PM on June 15 to 03:32 AM early morning on June 16, 2011). Total Lunar Eclipse - the moon is fully covered - is from 12:52 AM to 02:33 AM on early morning of June 16, 2011. (Source: Hindu-Blog.com)

There is an interesting myth about the eclipses, which is part of an amazingly interesting fictitious story of Samudra Mantana (Churning of ocean) in Hindu mythology. Here's a short and simple version of it. For a long time, I'm waiting to see someone make a special effects movie around this story. Some Hindus make pregnant women even more scared of these eclipses. Here's a write-up about what do they do.

The BAS and the BVJSC are conducting an observation and discussion session on the Lunar eclipse tonight at the National College, Jayanagar, Bangalore. The Event is open to all and it is absolutely Free. It's open from 6:30 PM to 3:30AM. They have planned to
1. Have telescopes for observations of night sky (BAS is arranging 3 telescopes - 17.5 inch, 6 inch and 4 inch)
2. Talk about Eclipses - Science & myths involved
3. Observation of Eclipse.

Witness this wonderful celestial event without irrational fear - not sure how many of us will be alive and in enjoyable mood the next time in 2058!

Have fun,
Channa