Gujarat to witness rare celestial event on September 7-8: 82-minute total lunar eclipse

Gujarat, along with the rest of India, will witness one of the longest total lunar eclipses of the decade on the night of September 7-8. The total lunar eclipse, also known as the ‘Blood Moon’, will last for 82 minutes.

The last time a similar eclipse was visible across the country was on July 27, 2018. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 31, 2028, while a partial lunar eclipse will be visible on March 3, 2026.

As per Indian Standard Time, the sequence of the eclipse will be as follows–

The penumbral phase will begin at 8:58 pm, followed by the umbral phase at 9:57 pm. Totality will start at 11:01 pm and continue until 12:22 am, with the peak of the eclipse, when the Moon appears darkest and turns reddish, expected at 11:42 pm. The umbral phase will end at 2:25 am.

During the total eclipse, the Moon will be completely immersed in Earth’s shadow and will appear coppery red due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere. Approximately 80% of the world’s population will be able to witness this rare event.

In Gujarat, regional science centers in Rajkot, Patan, Bhavnagar, and Bhuj, along with district science centers across the state, will remain open late on September 7 for public viewing through telescopes. Several locations will also host interactive sessions, astrophotography guidance, and stargazing activities.