'Blood moon' to light up sky on Sunday, rain may play spoilsport

KOLKATA: Stargazers are in for a celestial treat as a total lunar eclipse will be visible in the night sky on Sunday, Sept 7. This astronomical event will also feature a "blood moon". The only dampener could be a cloudy sky and rain.The total lunar eclipse will be visible across Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe, with approximately 85% of the world's population having the opportunity to witness either the partial or total phases of the eclipse.The eclipse will commence at 8.58 pm on Sept 7, when the Moon enters Earth's penumbral shadow (outer shadow). Although the initial phase may be subtle and difficult to discern with the naked eye, the excitement will build as the Moon begins to enter Earth's umbra (darkest part of the shadow) at 9.57 pm. This marks the start of the partial eclipse phase, where the Moon will gradually darken. The highlight of the night will occur at 11 pm when the total eclipse begins. During this phase, the Moon will be completely engulfed in Earth's shadow.