Partial Lunar Eclipse: Nepal & Many Countries to Witness the Event

Nepal, along with several other countries, is gearing up to witness a partial lunar eclipse on 28-29 October 2023. As per Nepal's local time, the eclipse is anticipated to start at 11:46 PM and conclude at 4:11 AM. The moon will undergo partial obscuration for approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. The peak of the eclipse is predicted to occur at 1:59 AM, featuring a magnitude of 0.122. An eclipse's magnitude refers to the fraction of the eclipsed body's diameter covered by the eclipsing body.

Aside from Nepal, countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Turkey, Algeria, Germany, Poland, Nigeria, Britain, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and the eastern parts of Brazil will also experience this lunar event.

According to Hindu mythology, this celestial event is deemed inauspicious as it coincides with the auspicious day of Sharad Purnima during the Ashwina month under the Aries sign in their zodiac. The lunar eclipse ushers in a Sutak period of spiritual importance. During this time frame, people are advised to follow traditional Sutak practices with caution.

The Sutak period preceding a solar or lunar eclipse holds great significance in Hindu mythology. Worship of various deities is suspended during this time and numerous essential tasks are prohibited. In addition to the Sutak period there exists a Patak tradition.

For those interested in observing the lunar eclipse:
- Choose a location that offers an unobstructed view of the sky without any glaring lights.
- Dress warmly and bring along a blanket or chair for seating.
- Special equipment is not required to view a lunar eclipse, as it can be observed with the naked eye.

For avid sky-gazers, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in Nepal on September 7-8, 2025.