Partial lunar eclipse LIVE: Supermoon partially darkens in rare event

A partial lunar eclipse is underway offering skywatchers in many parts of the world a captivating celestial display.
The partial lunar eclipse coincides with the September full moon, known as the Harvest Moon. This full moon is also a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth.

The eclipse began at 6:11 AM IST as the moon entered Earth’s penumbral shadow. However, this initial phase is difficult to notice with the naked eye.
The partial eclipse, when Earth’s dark umbral shadow begins to cover the moon, will start at 7:42 AM IST.
The eclipse will reach its maximum at 8:14 AM IST, with approximately 8% of the moon’s surface darkened by Earth’s shadow. The partial eclipse phase will end at 8:46 AM IST, followed by the penumbral eclipse concluding at 10:17 AM IST.

While not visible from India, the eclipse will be observable from western Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Antarctica. Viewers in these regions can expect to see a small, dark “bite” taken out of the moon’s edge during the peak of the eclipse.
For those able to witness the event, it promises to be a unique spectacle combining three celestial phenomena: the Harvest Moon, a supermoon, and a partial lunar eclipse.
The moon may take on a reddish hue during the eclipse, often referred to as a “blood moon”.

For those able to witness the event, it promises to be a unique spectacle. (Photo: AFP)

Although this particular event won’t be visible from India, the country can look forward to future lunar eclipses.
The next total lunar eclipse visible from India will occur on September 7, 2025, followed by a partial lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026.