Lunar Eclipse/ Chandra Grahan 2019: Dos and Don’ts during rare Moon phenomenon

Sky gazers will witness a partial lunar eclipse on July 16 and July 17, there are certain beliefs or myths that have revolved around this phenomenon for centuries. There are people who believe in myths like fasting during eclipse or avoiding some household chores during the eclipse.  It is a special coincidence as it will be occurring with Guru Purnima after 149 long years. The total eclipse duration will be 2 hours, 57 minutes and 56 seconds. It will be visible across Australia, New Zealand, and some neighbouring islands, most parts of Asia, Africa and Europe except northern most Scandinavia, and most of South America.

Chandra Grahan / Lunar Eclipse: Dos and Don’ts

Pregnant women, it is believed, should stay inside the house and Mantras should be chanted for a healthy mind. Alcohol is strictly forbidden as it may have a negative impact on our body. Ayurveda prescribes the use of a natural detoxifier, darbhagrass during the duration of the eclipse.

It is believed thick shell of the fruit is not harmed by the rays. So, you can add this to your list. It is also advised to drink plenty of water two hours prior to an eclipse. One can also drink tulsi tea to stay healthy.

Try eating food with less spices and keep your body clean from germs and infections.

Also, looking directly at the moon, during a lunar eclipse or otherwise, does not damage your eyes. So, this eclipse has this privilege over the solar one.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: When to watch? 

For those waiting eagerly to witness the rare natural phenomenon on July 16-17 night, the three-hour-long eclipse will begin around 1.31 am on Wednesday and will be at its pick around 3 am. The Moon will remain partially eclipsed till 4:29 am, leaving a golden opportunity for the sky gazers to watch the greatest partial eclipse almost throughout the night. Apart from India, the celestial phenomenon will be visible in parts of South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

What is a partial lunar eclipse?

Partial lunar eclipse takes place only at full Moon night, when the Moon, the Sun and the Earth are in a perfect straight line. As the Sun's rays fall on the Earth, its shadow falls on to a patch of space. When the Moon enters the patch of shadow there is lunar eclipse. The patch of shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped parts - one nestled inside the other.

The outer shadow or penumbra is a zone where the Earth shadow is partial and blocks some, but not all of the Sun's rays. In contrast, the inner shadow or umbra is a region where the Earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. When only a part of the Moon passes through the umbra, a partial lunar eclipse is seen. If the entire Moon passes through the umbral shadow, then a total eclipse of the Moon occurs.