By Ahmed Mukhtar and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis, along with other corners of the globe, witnessed an eagerly awaited remarkable celestial occurrence as a partial lunar eclipse, also known as Chand Grahan, on October 29, 2023.
The lunar eclipse commenced late on Sunday night, precisely at 11:02 pm local time. It happened at 01:14 am and concluded at 03:26 am on Sunday, October 29.
During the period, a segment of the Moon was veiled by Earth’s umbral shadow, providing a mesmerizing spectacle for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts throughout the country.
Meteorological Office in Pakistan offered guidance for hopeful viewers, suggesting that the lunar eclipse will be visible in cities where the skies remain clear.
Pakistanis keen to observe this rare astronomical event awaited the event with all eyes.
Understanding the lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the sun and the moon, projecting its shadow onto the lunar surface. This captivating event can only occur during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line or in close proximity. Lunar eclipses are considered to be safe to observe with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes, making them accessible to a wide range of skywatchers.
In the case of a partial lunar eclipse, as anticipated on October 29, only a portion of the Moon enters Earth’s umbral shadow. This results in a partial dimming of the Moon’s surface, offering a visually captivating and intriguing celestial display, albeit not as dramatic as a total lunar eclipse.
Such events have held humanity for centuries, inspiring astronomers and stargazers to closely study and appreciate the changing appearance of the Moon.
