A guide to the lunar eclipse for beginners

Today is a special day with us together with the moon.

A glowing moon that hides behind the earth’s jacket, a familiar story we have all heard.

For most, childhood is far behind and confusion abound. Does the sky burn bright or is it a diamond ring in the sky, are amidst so many questions that heckle the mind.

In an attempt to experience how it happens – here’s what those science nerds have to say:

First, you cannot have a lunar eclipse without a full moon at night, and unlike its alter ego – the solar eclipse, you can view the event from several spots on earth. So, if you’re planning to travel, make sure you hit Africa, Central Asia, South America, Europe, Australia or the Philippines – or just sit back at home in India.

Lucky for us, we will be witnessing what is called a total lunar eclipse. A total eclipse sees an inflamed moon, crimson-hued in the darkest of skies eclipses could have. For those who value their sleep, the eclipse lasts for almost three and a half hours. The eclipse shall commence with a dimming disappearance of the moon, also called the partial phase.

When it’s time, the moon shall shy away behind the triumphant shadow of the earth. Blocking out the light of the sun, the moon will slowly be eschewed till it reappears with its fiery facet during the total phase. Playing hide and seek once again, the body disappears to resurface in its placid tone of grey thereby ending the eclipse.

Perplexities often arise on understanding how the moon changes its colour when the sun is blocked out. It is merely a reflection of the earth from the residue rays of the sun that filter through. The ash and dust in the atmosphere determine the shade that the moon would be adorning. Experts are excited this year, as they are hoping to see what effect the ash cloud over Europe would have on the eclipse.

For those who wish to capture the moment, your can take a long look with your bare eyes. Unlike solar eclipses, you wouldn’t need those shades! And for them clickers, you needn’t protect your camera with filters – the same logic works here.

So fuel-up with some energy drink or a cup or cups of coffee and keep those camera ready. Total lunar eclipses can be quite a sight, quite a rare one in fact.

So, from 22:23pm Abu Dhabi time to 23:23 don’t forget to eat your way through superstition, and celebrate the moon in full bloom.