Lunar Eclipse 2025 In India: Chandra Grahan Timings Today, Live Stream, And Dos & Don’ts During Pregnancy – News18
Last Updated:
Lunar Eclipse 2025 In India: The total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025, will be visible across the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. India will miss it due to daylight.
A full moon sets after the lunar eclipse in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. (Image: REUTERS file)
Lunar Eclipse 2025 In India: A spectacular astronomical event is set to grace the sky on March 14, 2025, as a total lunar eclipse —commonly known as a Blood Moon paints the Moon in deep red hues. This rare celestial occurrence will be visible across the Americas, parts of Western Europe, Africa, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
However, skywatchers in India will not be able to witness the event since it will take place during daylight hours there. This year Chandra Grahan is coinciding with Holi, the festival of colours.
This marks the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, but another one is expected later in September 2025.
What Causes a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line. As the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, it casts a large shadow (known as the umbra) over its natural satellite.
However, instead of turning completely dark, the Moon appears reddish due to the scattering of sunlight by Earth’s atmosphere—a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering. The same effect is responsible for the reddish-orange hues of sunrises and sunsets.
The entire eclipse will last for approximately six hours, but the phase where the Moon is completely in Earth’s shadow—called totality—will last just over an hour.
Key Timings for the Lunar Eclipse in Different Regions
- India: The lunar eclipse will occur between 9:29 a.m. and 3:29 p.m. IST. Since it falls during daylight hours, it will not be visible in India, and the Sutak period (a time of inauspicious influence in Hindu tradition) will not be observed.
- North America: The eclipse will begin at 1:09 a.m. Eastern Time (0509 GMT), with totality occurring between 2:26 a.m. and 3:31 a.m. ET.
- France & Western Europe: The total eclipse will be visible from 7:26 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. local time (0626-0731 GMT) However, only the westernmost parts of Europe will get a glimpse before the Moon sets.
- Other visible regions: The eclipse will be visible in Australia, Africa, Europe, East Asia, and South America.
- Viewing Conditions: The visibility of the eclipse will depend on weather conditions. Clear skies are essential to witnessing this phenomenon.
Watch the ‘Blood Moon’ Live Online
For those unable to view the eclipse in person, several online platforms will provide live-stream coverage:
TimeandDate.com
Offers high-quality live streams, maps, real-time animations, and expert commentary. Their mobile observatory will track the eclipse from locations with clear skies, including Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Santiago, Chile.
The Virtual Telescope Project
Based in Italy, this project will stream the event starting at 9:30 AM IST on March 14. Live feeds will feature images from Florida, Nebraska, New Mexico (U.S.), Canada, and Panama.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Lunar Eclipse
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to completely cover the Moon. The Moon appears red due to sunlight bending and filtering through Earth’s atmosphere—a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering.
When will the lunar eclipse occur?
The eclipse will take place on March 14, 2025, with different start times depending on location:
- North America: Begins at 1:09 a.m. ET (0509 GMT), totality from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. ET.
- France: Total eclipse visible from 7:26 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. local time.
- India: Not visible (occurs from 9:29 a.m. to 3:29 p.m. IST).
How can I see the eclipse?
- Find a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Use binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view.
- Check weather forecasts for clear skies.
- If the eclipse is not visible in your region, watch it online via live streams.
What will the eclipse look like from the Moon?
If you were standing on the Moon during a total lunar eclipse, you would see the Earth blocking the Sun, with a ring of red light surrounding it. This red glow is due to Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight—essentially, you would be seeing all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth happening at once.
When is the next total lunar eclipse?
The next total lunar eclipse after this will take place in September 2025.
Lunar Eclipse 2025: Important Dos and Don’ts for Pregnant Women
In many cultures, especially in India, it is believed that pregnant women should take special precautions during a Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse). While there is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs, they are still widely followed.
Dos
- Stay indoors and avoid direct moonlight exposure.
- Keep a piece of Tulsi (holy basil) leaves or silver with you, as per traditional beliefs.
- Meditate or chant mantras for positivity.
Don’ts
- Avoid using sharp objects like knives or scissors.
- Do not eat during the eclipse (as per traditional belief).
- Avoid stepping out to watch the eclipse.
Zodiac Signs Most Affected by the Lunar Eclipse 2025
Astrologers believe that lunar eclipses can have a strong impact on certain zodiac signs. According to predictions:
Aries: May face emotional turbulence and relationship issues.
Cancer: Could experience major life changes.
Libra: Financial matters may be affected.
Capricorn: Career shifts and unexpected opportunities might arise.
Least affected zodiac signs
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Pisces are expected to experience minimal impact from this eclipse.
The March 14, 2025, Blood Moon is a rare and breathtaking event that astronomy lovers won’t want to miss. Whether you watch it in the sky or via online live streams, this total lunar eclipse will be a remarkable spectacle.
