Stargazers are to enjoy a big night, a clear view of the night sky, as the longest lunar eclipse of the century turns the moon red. A blood moon is created when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon. Get ready for a beautiful celestial sight when a total lunar eclipse will be visible from almost all parts of the world. Science experts claim that this time, it will cast the moon into shadow for 1 hour and 43 minutes, with the entire event lasting over 6 hours and this beautiful phenomenon will be visible across the world. July 27 will witness the most significant events of the century; Chandra Grahan 2018. As the moon appears red, a number of myths, significance and facts revolve around. Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse 2018: From No Sex to Getting Pregnant, Here Are Some Weird Superstitions Associated With Lunar Eclipses. 

Unlike a solar eclipse, scientists say that a lunar eclipse is easy and safe to enjoy the rare celestial even with naked eyes. Use a pair of binoculars, if you have, to observe the detail shadow and changes of colour that will occur during the event.

Chandra Grahan 2018 Date and Sutak time in India:

The longest Lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan 2018 will be seen on the night of July 27 and the early hours of July 28. In India, it is expected to begin from 11:44 pm IST on July 27. The first phase of the Chandra Grahan will set in from 11:54 pm and the total lunar eclipse is estimated from 1:00 am on July 28. For the second phase as the moon continues its orbit, there will be another partial lunar eclipse from 2:43 am. The event will last for 1 hour and 43 minutes and the partial phases of the eclipse will last for a period of 6 hours.

Chandra Grahan 2018 Significance:

During the eclipse, the Earth, sun and moon will be in a single line, the planet in between the sun and the moon. Gradually, the moon appears to be reddish-orange colour, making it a blood moon. The scientists at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that this would be the longest lunar eclipse. Though the entire world will witness the rare blood moon, residents in North America and Antarctica could not see this sight. Since the moon will be at its most distant, it will appear to be at its smallest. Hence, it will take more time to cross the Earth’s shadow, making the eclipse last longer. As the eclipse is a shadow play, therefore it is completely safe to watch the event.

Chandra Grahan 2018 Myths:

Since ancient times, human beings have been alternately amused, puzzled, bewildered and sometimes even terrified at the sight of such a phenomenon. In India, people hold and follow many rituals during this time. Some believe that if someone undergoes an accidental cut, they bleed more and heal slowly during Chandra Grahan. In Hinduism, individuals avoid eating and drinking for a limited period of time. They must take a bath once the event is over to wash away the sins. While pregnant women during lunar eclipse are believed to stay indoors as they could be affected the most from the negative effects of the event. Lunar Eclipse and Pregnancy Myths: Here are all Superstitions, Do’s & Don’ts & Facts for Expecting Mothers for this ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’. 

While the superstitious may avoid venturing outdoors, skywatchers will not miss this rare event, blood moon. It is entirely safe to look at the moon during an eclipse. This will be 2018’s second event after January’s super blue blood moon. The next lunar eclipse is speculated on December 31, 2028.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2018 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).