ISLAMABAD: The initial lunar eclipse of the year 2025 is scheduled to take place on March 14, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Sadly, this celestial phenomenon will not be observable from Pakistan, as it will transpire during the daytime.
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The eclipse is set to begin at 8:57 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), with the total phase lasting from 11:59 am to 3:00 pm.
A lunar eclipse transpires when the Earth interposes itself between the sun and the moon. This casts a shadow upon the moon.
In contrast to a solar eclipse, which can be detrimental to view without appropriate eye protection, a lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye.
During a total eclipse, the moon may exhibit a vivid red colouration, commonly referred to as the ‘blood moon’. This effect arises from the scattering of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, allowing only the red wavelengths to illuminate the moon.
This year’s lunar eclipse will be visible across several regions, including Europe, large portions of Asia, Australia, Africa and both, North and South America.
In addition to the lunar eclipse, the first solar eclipse of the year is expected on March 29, which will also be invisible from Pakistan. The year 2025 is projected to feature a total of four eclipses, consisting of two lunar and two solar eclipses.
Historically, eclipses have held considerable cultural and religious significance for the curious and imaginative humanity across civilisations. In ancient times, eclipses were frequently interpreted as omens or messages from deities. For example, during a solar eclipse, warring factions paused hostilities, as they believed it to be a sign of divine wrath.
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As the lunar eclipse approaches, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between celestial events and human history, even it if remains unseen in Pakistan.