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Partial Lunar Eclipse to Illuminate the Night Sky on October 28
Moon partially covered by the earth’s shadow during lunar eclipse. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Significance of the Partial Lunar Eclipse
On the night of October 28, a partial lunar eclipse will grace the skies over West Bengal and various parts of India, as well as Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia. This celestial event, as explained by astrophysicist Debi Prasad Duari, holds great significance for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Features of the Lunar Eclipse
The partial lunar eclipse will commence on October 28 and extend into the early hours of October 29. During this time, spectators in India and other countries will have the opportunity to observe the moon partially entering the shadow of the Earth.
A lunar eclipse occurs in two stages. Initially, the moon enters the penumbral region, where it is only partially shadowed by Earth, resulting in a slight change in brightness. Subsequently, it progresses into the umbral region, the true dark part of Earth’s shadow, which is considered the actual eclipse.
Objectives of the Lunar Eclipse Observation
The observation of lunar eclipses allows scientists and astronomers to deepen their understanding of celestial mechanics and the interactions between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. It provides an opportunity to study the composition of Earth’s atmosphere through the scattering and filtering of sunlight that occurs during an eclipse.
Effects of the Partial Lunar Eclipse
As the moon partially enters Earth’s shadow, the appearance of the lunar disc will be obscured, offering a unique visual experience. The magnitude of the partial lunar eclipse will be approximately 0.12, indicating the extent of obscuration of the moon’s surface.
Pros and Cons
While lunar eclipses are captivating and offer valuable scientific insights, they do not present any significant cons or drawbacks. However, weather conditions and light pollution can impact the viewing experience.
Fun Fact
Just two weeks prior to the partial lunar eclipse, on October 14, a different celestial phenomenon occurred. An annular solar eclipse captured the attention of observers in North and South America, featuring the mesmerizing “ring of fire” across the sky. Unfortunately, this event was not visible in India and Asia due to the timing and corresponding daylight hours.
This eclipse coincided with the start of Navratri, a major festival in India, including Durga Puja celebrated in West Bengal. Furthermore, it marked the day of Mahalaya, when people pay homage to their ancestors, symbolizing the commencement of the Durga Puja Festival.
By sharing the wonders of celestial events such as lunar eclipses, teachers can help foster curiosity and captivate students’ interest in the field of astronomy. Encouraging them to observe and appreciate these phenomena can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1) Which parts of the world will witness the partial lunar eclipse on the night of October 28?
a) West Bengal, India
b) North and South America
c) Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia
d) Only West Bengal
Answer: c) Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia
Explanation: According to the given information, the partial lunar eclipse on the night of October 28 can be witnessed in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia.
2) When will the partial umbral eclipse, which is more noticeable, start during the event?
a) 11:31 p.m. IST
b) 1:05 a.m. IST
c) 1:44 a.m. IST
d) 2:23 a.m. IST
Answer: b) 1:05 a.m. IST
Explanation: As mentioned in the text, the partial umbral eclipse, which is more noticeable, will start in the early hours of October 29 at around 1:05 a.m. IST.
3) What is the magnitude of the partial lunar eclipse?
a) 0.12
b) 1.44
c) 2.23
d) 0.23
Answer: a) 0.12
Explanation: The given information states that the magnitude of the partial lunar eclipse will be around 0.12, marked by the maximum obscuration of the lunar disc.
4) What is the difference between a penumbral eclipse and an umbral lunar eclipse?
a) A penumbral eclipse is when the moon is fully covered by the shadow of the earth, while an umbral eclipse is when the moon is partially covered.
b) A penumbral eclipse is when the moon enters a partially shadowed region of the earth and remains partly lighted, while an umbral eclipse is when the moon partially enters the actual dark part of the earth’s shadow.
c) A penumbral eclipse is when the moon is partially covered by the shadow of the earth for some time, while an umbral eclipse is when the moon is fully illuminated.
d) A penumbral eclipse is the actual eclipse, while an umbral eclipse is just a phase of the moon.
Answer: b) A penumbral eclipse is when the moon enters a partially shadowed region of the earth and remains partly lighted, while an umbral eclipse is when the moon partially enters the actual dark part of the earth’s shadow.
Explanation: The provided information explains that a penumbral eclipse occurs when the moon enters a partially shadowed region of the earth and remains partly lighted. On the other hand, an umbral lunar eclipse is when the moon partially enters the actual dark part of the earth’s shadow.
5) What celestial event occurred on October 14?
a) Partial lunar eclipse
b) Solar eclipse
c) Full moon
d) New moon
Answer: b) Solar eclipse
Explanation: The given information states that on October 14, there was an annular solar eclipse, which was experienced by people in North and South America.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
On the night of October 28, there will be a partial lunar eclipse visible in West Bengal, India, as well as across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia. The eclipse will begin late on October 28 and continue until the early hours of October 29. Astrophysicist Debi Prasad Duari explained that the moon will be partially eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow, giving people the opportunity to experience a partial lunar eclipse. The penumbral eclipse will start at approximately 11:31 p.m. IST, with the more noticeable umbral eclipse beginning at around 1:05 a.m. IST on October 29. The eclipse will reach its maximum at 1:44 a.m. and end by 2:23 a.m. The magnitude of the partial lunar eclipse will be approximately 0.12.