The Saturday 4 eclipse was a total lunar eclipse, world over; but for people living in Bhubaneswar it was a partial one. If you have missed viewing it this time, be better prepared to watch the next. It’s worth it. It’s two years away. Here’s how you prepare meanwhile:
No special efforts: Be it partial, penumbral or total, it requires almost no special effort to watch a lunar eclipse. What is needed is a clear view of the sky, right clothes depending on the night temperature of the place you are in, and a place to sit, a chair or a couch, so that your watch is comfortable.
Get going: Use an eclipse calculator to find out when
you can see a lunar eclipse in or around the location you are in.
Read the weather report: Follow the climate forecast; it will help you prepare better – better clothes, better equipment etc.
Find the vantage point: Your viewing will become more pleasurable if you ‘spot’ the right location. With almost no artificial light around rural areas will obviously offer better viewing. Moreover the night sky would be clearer than that in the city. Cities will, however, provide better backdrop for your photo sessions.
Keep safety in mind: If you are moving at a distant spot and at night take all the necessary precautions.
Mind your equipment: You would need no special equipment, true. However, astronomers and seasoned lens men suggest that you keep the following things handy for better viewing: Binoculars, camera, tripod, extra batteries for your camera and flashlight to find your way at night. It would be better if there is a telescope around.
The next five lunar eclipses
August 7, 2017; partial lunar eclipse
Who all can see: People living in Europe (much of the continent), south/east Asia, Australia, Africa, South America (some parts), Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.
January 31, 2018; total lunar eclipse
Who all can see: People living in north/east Europe, much of Asia, Australia, north/east Africa, much of North America, South America (some parts), Pacific region, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica.
July 27, 2018; total lunar eclipse
Who all can see: People living in Europe (much of the continent), south/east Asia, Australia, Africa, North America (some parts), South America (some parts), Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.
January 21, 2019; total lunar eclipse
Who all can see: People living in Europe, Asia (much of the continent), Africa, much of North America, much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic
July 16 July, 2019; partial lunar eclipse
Who all can see: People living in much of Europe, south/east Asia, Australia, Africa, North America (some parts), South America (some parts), Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.