Shillong set for rare 90-minute view of lunar eclipse on Tuesday: IMD

Residents of Meghalaya are set for a rare astronomical sight on Tuesday evening, with the region expected to enjoy one of the clearest views of the concluding phase of a total lunar eclipse visible from India. According to the India Meteorological Department, people in the state will have close to 90 minutes to observe the celestial event.

Moonrise shortly before totality ends

In Shillong, the moon is forecast to rise at 5.23 pm, just minutes before the totality phase ends at 5.33 pm. The eclipse itself will finish at 6.48 pm, giving skywatchers an opportunity to witness the phenomenon for roughly one hour and 25 minutes after moonrise, officials said on Monday.

Clear skies likely to aid visibility

Meteorologists expect favourable weather over much of the state during the event.

"According to the current forecast, we expect generally clear to partly cloudy skies over Shillong and adjoining areas on Tuesday evening. This should allow people to witness the eclipse without major weather-related obstruction," an IMD official told PTI.

Another official said actual visibility would depend on local cloud conditions at the horizon. "If the eastern horizon remains clear around sunset, residents will be able to see the moon emerging from the Earth's shadow with its characteristic reddish hue," the official said.

Northeast better positioned than rest of India

While most parts of India will catch only the closing stages of the eclipse due to timing and location, Meghalaya and neighbouring northeastern states are more favourably placed to observe the final moments of totality.

Last total lunar eclipse visible from India until 2028

Astronomy groups have noted increased interest ahead of the event, pointing out that this will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from India until 2028.

(PTI)