Total Lunar Eclipse of 31st Jan 2018 in Pakistan
Total Lunar Eclipse in Karachi, Pakistan in Jan 2018: Total Lunar Eclipse happens twice a year but not necessarily at a same location on the planet Earth. Many of my Astronomy students and followers have been asking me about Lunar Eclipses as to when is it happening, how to observe it and what causes the eclipse, so this is the post for all of my followers and all the Astronomy enthusiasts around the world. I have created this poster for the enthusiasts so you can share it and spread the message across.
The lunar eclipse last time happened in August 2017 but it was partial and it wasn’t a good show as the Sky was full of clouds. You can find the details about the last Lunar Eclipse here.
This year on 31st January it will be Full Moon and there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse. Just around the Sunset, Moon will rise Eclipsed. Meaning Moon will already be in totally while rising so we will catch up the lunar eclipse half way.
Wait.,, before we move forward. Want to listen?
If you like to listen to all of the details of the TLE, you might want to listen to my Podcast. Click below image to listen. You can play this Podcast in any browser and in any device, be it Android, iPhone, Mac or PC.
https://app.podcast.pk/?download=t3-astrocast
The science of Lunar Eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse illustration. Copyright/Owner: Smithsonian Institution
What is Lunar Eclipse?
If you do not know what is Lunar Eclipse, why it happens and how it occurs, you should check below video. Otherwise, move to next section.
Is the Eclipse Visible from Karachi?
This month of the year, Lunar Eclipse will be a Total Lunar Eclipse in Asia, Australia, Africa, South in North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Much of Europe, Indian Ocean, Antarctica. We Karachiites are lucky that we will be able to witness the Lunar Eclipse if the skies are clear meaning no or less clouds. We won’t see it from the very beginning as the Moon will rise late in Pakistan. However, we will start to witness the Eclipse as soon as it will get into Totality or Maximum Eclipse. It will be low on the horizon so people living with too many buildings all over won’t witness until the Moon raises at an altitude of 20 degrees.
Lunar Eclipse Availability
Lunar Eclipse Timings
| Event | UTC Time | Time in Karachi* | Visible in Karachi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penumbral Eclipse begins | 31 Jan, 10:51:13 | 31 Jan, 15:51:13 | No, below the horizon |
| Partial Eclipse begins | 31 Jan, 11:48:27 | 31 Jan, 16:48:27 | No, below the horizon |
| Full Eclipse begins | 31 Jan, 12:51:47 | 31 Jan, 17:51:47 | No, below the horizon |
| Maximum Eclipse | 31 Jan, 13:29:51 | 31 Jan, 18:29:51 | Yes |
| Full Eclipse ends | 31 Jan, 14:07:51 | 31 Jan, 19:07:51 | Yes |
| Partial Eclipse ends | 31 Jan, 15:11:11 | 31 Jan, 20:11:11 | Yes |
| Penumbral Eclipse ends | 31 Jan, 16:08:29 | 31 Jan, 21:08:29 | Yes |
* The Moon is below the horizon in Karachi some of the time, so that part of the eclipse is not visible.
Timings Source: www.timeanddate.com
How to observe lunar eclipse
Get a binoculars or a telescope and go outside and find the Moon just around Sunset. Where to find the Moon? Just opposite (east) to where the Sun has set (west). You can easily observe this lunar eclipse phenomenon from Karachi or anywhere in Pakistan. The only condition is that the sky should be clear and without clouds. No need to avoid light pollution although light pollution itself is not good 🙂
You do not need a binoculars or a telescope. Just clear skies!
A binocular or a telescope would be a good addition though.
Total Lunar Eclipse 2018 in Pakistan
Amazing Fact: An Eclipse Never Comes Alone!
A solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse.
Usually, there are two eclipses in the same season but sometimes there are three eclipse.
This (31st Jan 2018) is the first eclipse this season. The second eclipse of the this season will be a Partial Solar Eclipse in February.
How can you observe it?
If you don’t own a Telescope, you can still observe it with you naked eye or maybe get a pair of Binoculars. You won’t regret it buying.
Enjoy the Lunar Eclipse and do share your photos on my Facebook page.
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I have been practising Astronomy since 2007 and have been founder of multiple Astronomy related societies and clubs. You can read my contribution in Karachi Astronomers Society here.
