Chandra Grahan 2023: India to experience partial Lunar Eclipse this weekend; Check city-wise timings

An extraordinary celestial phenomenon is on the horizon as we approach the final lunar eclipse of 2023. This weekend, set your sights on the night sky as a partial lunar eclipse, known as Chandra Grahan, is poised to captivate India. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, this event holds particular significance.

NASA confirms its visibility not just across India but also throughout the expansive Eastern Hemisphere, encompassing Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. During this celestial spectacle, a fraction of the moon will pass through Earth's shadow, creating a visual marvel that's not to be missed.

This partial lunar eclipse boasts a magnitude of 0.12, meaning that only about 12 percent of the moon's surface will be immersed in Earth's shadow at the peak of the eclipse. What's truly captivating is that the moon within the umbral zone will be bathed in a unique glow, courtesy of sunlight refracted by Earth's atmosphere, providing onlookers with an enchanting celestial display.


Lunar Eclipse 2023: City-wise Timings

For those eager to catch a glimpse of this cosmic event, here are the city-specific timings for the lunar eclipse set to unfold this weekend:

• Delhi: Commencing at 1:06 AM and concluding at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Uttar Pradesh: Kicking off at 1:06 AM and wrapping up at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Assam: Beginning at 1:06 AM and terminating at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Bangalore: Initiating at 1:06 AM and finishing at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Mumbai: Starting at 1:06 AM and ending at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Hyderabad: Getting underway at 1:06 AM and concluding at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Indore: Starting at 1:06 AM and concluding at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Chennai: Kicking off at 1:06 AM and winding up at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Lucknow: Starting at 1:06 AM and wrapping up at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Patna: Commencing at 1:06 AM and concluding at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.
• Madhya Pradesh: Beginning at 1:06 AM and concluding at 2:22 AM on October 29, 2023.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Where it Won't be Seen

It's worth noting that the lunar eclipse won't grace the skies of the United States of America (USA). However, those in some regions of South America, particularly in Brazil, will have the privilege of witnessing the lunar eclipse at moonrise, making it an exclusive celestial experience for those fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Cosmic Significance

In addition to the astronomical perspective, it's essential to consider the astrological significance of this event. This time, the Partial Lunar Eclipse aligns with Sharad Purnima, occurring in the month of Ashwin under Ashwin Nakshatra and in the Aries zodiac. Such a celestial alignment happens when only a portion of the Moon passes through Earth's shadow.

Lunar Eclipse October 2023: Date and Time
For those keen to plan their observance, here are the key timings for the lunar eclipse:

• Lunar Eclipse Begins: October 29, 2023 - 01:05 AM
• Lunar Eclipse Ends: October 29, 2023 - 02:24 AM

Sutak Time - October 28, 2023 - 02:50 PM to October 29, 2023 - 02:24 AM

Additionally, be aware of the Sutak Kaal, a period that is considered inauspicious in Vedic astrology. It commences at 02:50 PM on October 28, 2023, and concludes at 02:24 PM on October 29, 2023. During this time, it is discouraged to engage in auspicious activities, idol worship, temple visits, or ceremonies such as marriages, engagements, Griha Pravesh, and Mundan.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Astrological Impact

As per astrology, celestial events like lunar eclipses have a profound influence on human lives, impacting emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. Recently, a Solar Eclipse occurred, although it was not visible in India. Now, just a week later, a visible Lunar Eclipse is on the horizon.

Chandra Grahan, however, is regarded as inauspicious due to the influence of Rahu on the Moon. The moon represents aspects such as water, the mind, motherhood, moods, emotions, and feelings. The coming together of the Moon and Rahu is considered a significant event, and its effects on human beings are expected.

This particular eclipse will occur on Sharad Purnima in the Ashwin Month under Ashwin Nakshatra, which is seen as an unfavorable combination. As such, people are advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during this period.

Lunar Eclipse 2023: Visibility in India and Beyond

This Chandra Grahan is set to be visible wherever the Moon rises above the Horizon. India will be at the center of this celestial show, but it will also be visible in various parts of the world, including Asia, Russia, Africa, America, Europe, Antarctica, and Oceania. The lunar eclipse's peak will occur at 01:45 AM IST on October 29, 2023, with 12 percent of the moon shrouded in Earth's shadow.