Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS) With the year’s last lunar eclipse on Saturday, and the next only after three years, citizens can look forward to a view of the moon turning a dramatic red with two free public observations being organised in the capital.

The first is being arranged by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Delhi (AAAD) and Nehru Planetarium at the Teen Murti Bhawan lawns, while the second will be held by Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) at India Gate lawns. Both will commence by 5 p.m.

“Some of India’s biggest and best telescopes will be set up for the public to enjoy the second and last eclipse of the year,” a statement by AAAD said.

“A direct webcast of the event will also be available on our website — www.aaadelhi.org from 5.30 p.m. for those who cannot make it to this public watch,” it added.

A total lunar eclipse is quite rare and occurs when the Earth casts its shadow over the moon but instead of getting dark, the moon remains illuminated due to indirect sunlight, which gives it a dramatic shade of red.

With an expected duration of 51 minutes, the eclipse will begin around 5.03 p.m. in India.

SPACE will be hosting school kids from across the city who would be getting an opportunity to observe, experiment and photograph the eclipse.

“To break the myth of not consuming food during an eclipse, we will distribute sweets to people present during the observation,” SPACE said in a statement.

Apart from India, the eclipse will also be visible in parts of Europe, East Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific and North America.

The next total lunar eclipse in India will occur in 2014.