Mumbai, October 4: The planet Earth had numerous full moons in the year 2023, including a remarkable supermoon last month! But who said we had to stop? Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts will be treated to not one, but two amazing celestial occurrences in October - a Solar Eclipse and a Lunar Eclipse.

For centuries, these cosmic occurrences have captured human imaginations, producing stories and awe-inspiring wonder. As we enter the holiday season and fall, the Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) and Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) have enormous cultural and religious importance in India, as well as scientific relevance. Will Surya Grahan 2023 Be Visible in India? Solar Eclipse Date and Time – All You Need To Know About the First Solar Eclipse of the Year.

What Exactly is a Solar Eclipse?

When the moon passes between the earth and the sun, it blocks part or all of the sun's light from reaching the earth. It's as if the moon is briefly blocking our vision of the sun. Solar eclipses are classified into three types:

  1. Total Solar Eclipse: When the Moon totally covers the Sun, a black circle appears in the sky. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, is visible.

  2. Partial Solar Eclipse: A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a section of the Sun, creating the illusion that the Sun has been eaten.

  3. Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is at its furthest point from Earth (apogee) and looks somewhat smaller than the Sun. As a result, the sun's outer ring is visible, producing a "ring of fire" impression.

    When and Where Can One See the Solar Eclipse?

    An annular solar eclipse will occur on October 14. The solar eclipse will be visible in India from 11:29 pm to 11:34 pm.

    What Exactly is a Lunar Eclipse?

    When the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, it casts a shadow on the moon's surface, causing a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse can only be seen on a full moon, and it's a spectacular sight to see. Solar Eclipse in April 2023: Know Date, Time and Visibility of Year’s First Surya Grahan in India and Around the World.

    When and Where Can One See the Solar Eclipse?

    The Lunar Eclipse will begin at 11:31 pm (IST) on October 28 and will conclude at 3:36 am on October 29. Many sections of the world will be able to see it, including Asia, Russia, Africa, America, Europe, Antarctica, and Oceania. Look to the southwest in the sky if you're in New Delhi. In India, the greatest eclipse will occur at 1:45 am, when around 12% of the moon is under shade.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2023 11:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).