Takshashila Academy to exhibit total lunar eclipse

The Takshashila Astronomy Club, Kathmandu has made arrangements to show total lunar eclipse occurring on November 8, Tuesday, the full moon day in the Nepali month of Kartik.

Astronomy enthusiasts could view the eclipse that will occur since moonrise at 5:11 pm for free of cost from the rooftop of the Academy situated in Samakhusi, said senior astronomer Jayanta Acharya.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the eclipse, visible from Nepal for one hour and 23 minutes, would be seen clearly following the sunset at 5:13 pm.

It will end at 6:34 pm. Furthermore, the eclipse would be scintillating at 5:26 pm in the evening, said the Committee Executive Director Surya Prasad Dhungel.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon travels through the Earth's shadow. A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Full Moon and blocks the Sun's direct rays from lighting up the Moon.

Prior to this, the solar eclipse occurred on October 25 this year. Religious scriptures expert Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam shared that the religious scriptures have mentioned that the 'Sutak' (period of abstention) occurs nine hours before the lunar eclipse.

During this period normal people except the children, aged and sick should restrain themselves from taking food to avoid the eclipse's possible harm. It is advised to practice religious worships and meditation during the eclipse, informed Dr Gautam.

The total lunar eclipse could be viewed from Japan, South Korea, China, India, Canada and Alaska of the USA while the eclipse would be visible from Nepal, India and Pakistan among other countries since moonrise.