Lunar Eclipse 2022: Effects of Chandra Grahan on your health, myths, precautions and all you need to know – Times of India

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, the Moon and the Earth align in the same line. This celestial event is of prime importance and holds relevance both scientifically and religion wise.

Lunar eclipses are also called blood moons. “In a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon,” explains NASA.

Where will it be visible?
The lunar eclipse will be visible across North and Central America and in Ecuador, Colombia, and western portions of Venezuela and Peru. It is also visible in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. As per the information available on NASA website natives of Alaska and Hawaii will be able to see every stage of the eclipse.

Blood Moon: What is the scientific fact?
During lunar eclipse, the moon turns red and hence it is called the Blood Moon. There are several myths associated with the Blood Moon.

However, the scientific explanation behind the redness of the moon does not explain the myths.

During the eclipse, the moon turns red due to a process called Rayleigh Scattering. To those who are unaware of this phenomenon, this is the same reason why our sky looks blue and sunsets have an orangish hue.

“During a lunar eclipse, Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight. The blue light from the Sun scatters away, and longer-wavelength red, orange, and yellow light pass through, turning our Moon red,” explains NASA. The more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere will make the Moon look redder in appearance.

Does Chandra Grahan have any effect on your health?
No. Medically it has not been attested that chandra grahan impacts one’s health. However there are several myths associated with lunar eclipse which have been passed down from generations that make false claims that lunar eclipse negatively affects health.


What are the myths associated with Chandra grahan?

Of the several myths associated with chandra grahan, the most prevalent and widely followed one is that one should fast during the lunar eclipse. It is because our ancestors believed the eclipse to be a potential danger to the existence of the moon and kept fast and prayed for the moon so that it could be relieved from the shadow of evil.

Another myth disallows people to sleep during the duration of chandra grahan.

People also believe that taking a bath during the eclipse can be harmful to one’s health, though there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.

In several parts of the country till this date, pregnant women are advised not to step out during lunar eclipse. It is believed that the duration in which the Sun and the Moon god are eclipsed are bad and can affect the foetus.

Another myth that is far away from scientific reasons is that wounds heal slowly during lunar eclipse. So far, no medical science has established a connection between the body’s ability to heal and the impact of a celestial body as the moon on that.

People also advise others to not see the lunar eclipse in naked eyes. However, the truth is, unlike solar eclipse, there is no potential danger in viewing the blood moon with naked eye.

NASA, which releases specific guidelines for solar eclipse, has no such guidelines for lunar eclipse. “You don’t need any special equipment to observe a lunar eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red color. A dark environment away from bright lights makes for the best viewing conditions,” it says.

Therefore there is no need to follow any specific guideline during lunar eclipse. This is a majestic celestial event that occurs for fewer times. So grab this opportunity and view the only lunar eclipse that you will be able to experience in 3 years. Just a pair of binoculars are sufficient to experience this beautiful supernal event where all the three celestial bodies that support life would align together in a straight line.

Here are few common questions related to lunar eclipse:

1. When is the lunar eclipse?
   The lunar eclipse will occur on Nov 8, 2022
2. Is this a partial or a full lunar eclipse?
   This is a full lunar eclipse. This is the second lunar eclipse of this year and the last full eclipse in the next three years.
3. Is it okay to eat during this lunar eclipse?
   Yes! It is absolutely okay to eat during the lunar eclipse.
4. Should I avoid taking a bath during this lunar eclipse?
   It depends on your health condition. Otherwise it has no relevance in connection to the lunar eclipse.
5. Can we see the blood moon in India?
   While it is visible to Asia, in India not all parts will be able to see it. In India, the phase of the beginning of the totality, where the moon in completely in the Earth’s shadow, will not be seen anywhere, the Ministry of Earth Science said.