Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Tuesday, 11 January 2028
🇮🇳 Visible from India
A penumbral lunar eclipse is the subtlest kind: the Moon passes through Earth's outer shadow (penumbra) but never enters the dark umbra. The Moon's south or north limb gradually dims — an effect often imperceptible to the casual eye until maximum, when a clear deepening is visible on the most affected side. No blood-moon colouring occurs and no special equipment is needed. Photography with moderate zoom can show the light gradient across the lunar disc.
IST Contact Times
| Phase | IST Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest Eclipse (Mid) | 4:13 AM IST | Maximum eclipse magnitude reached |
| 4:13 AM IST |
Eclipse magnitude 0 gives the fraction of the Moon's diameter immersed in Earth's deepest shadow at maximum. With magnitude below 1.0, only part of the Moon enters the umbra, or it grazes only the penumbra. Gamma 1.0179 (absolute value 1.018) gives the shadow axis distance from Earth's centre in Earth radii.
No special equipment is needed to watch this lunar eclipse safely.
Grahan in Hindu Tradition
Chandra Grahan (चंद्र ग्रहण)
A lunar eclipse is called Chandra Grahan. The period of sutak (inauspicious period) begins 9 hours before the eclipse. During this time, eating is avoided and temples are closed. A purifying bath is taken after the eclipse ends.
Visible from India: Yes
Visible from India (moon above horizon during eclipse). Sutak and eclipse rituals apply for Indian observers.