The last partial lunar eclipse of 2023 will be visible on Saturday night, providing a magnificent sight for skywatchers worldwide, including those in India.
"Prepare for the year's biggest cosmic event, sky watchers and aficionados!" the Indian Meteorological Department announced on X (previously Twitter), noting that there will be a partial lunar eclipse on 28-29 October.
"Watch Earth's orbit around the Sun and Moon to see the wonders of astronomy in action", the post added.
Earth's shadow appears extremely dark on the side of the Moon facing the planet during a partial eclipse. The alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon determines what is visible to observers from Earth during a partial lunar eclipse.
It is predicted to begin at 11.31 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) and to progressively cover the Moon's surface with the darker part of the Earth's shadow, called the umbra, by midnight, or around 1 am IST.
The eclipse will be visible to individuals in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North and East South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, and Antarctica in addition to many locations in India.