Total lunar eclipse visible in the United States and Canada. PHOTO: Pexels
The Climate Data Processing Center of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday confirmed that a total lunar eclipse would be visible in Pakistan on March 3.
According to a press release issued by the PMD, the eclipse will be widely visible in Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America, parts of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Arctic and Antarctica. However, in Pakistan, the eclipse will be partially visible at moonrise.
The eclipse will follow a detailed timeline in Pakistan Standard Time (PST). The penumbral eclipse will begin at 1:44 p.m. PST, followed by the partial eclipse beginning at 2:50 p.m. PST. The total eclipse will begin at 4:05 p.m. PST and reach its peak at 4:34 p.m. PST.
The total eclipse phase will end at 5:03 p.m. PST, and the partial eclipse will end at 6:17 p.m. PST. Finally, the penumbral eclipse will end at 7:23 p.m. PST.
Sky watchers in Pakistan are encouraged to look towards the horizon at moonrise for the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event.
What is the lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. This celestial event can only occur during a full moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned in a straight line.
There are three main types of lunar eclipses: total, partial and penumbral. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes through Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), giving it a reddish hue, often called a “blood moon.”
Learn more: Rare ‘Blood Moon’ eclipse to dazzle Pakistan
During a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow, while the rest remains in the lighter shadow (penumbra).
A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, causing a subtle shadow on the Moon’s surface.
Lunar eclipses can be safely observed with the naked eye and are spectacular astronomical events that have been observed and studied for centuries.
