There’s a huge rush among stargazers, students, astronomers and deep science photographers. If you miss your date with this celestial event between 5.12pm and 6.32pm in Kolkata… you had it.
Besides Kolkata, the total lunar eclipse will be visible in Itanagar, Guwahati, Siliguri and Bhubaneshwar. As this is the last total lunar eclipse this year, one has to wait till March 13, 2025. There will be a second total lunar eclipse that year as well, on September 7, 2025.
Breakthrough Science Society is organising a public viewing of the eclipse at South Kolkata’s Dakshinapan from 4.30pm. Kolkata Sky Watchers’ Association in Dhakuria has organised a special viewing for their members. “We have a capacity for 30 persons at our office. Even though no special apparatus is needed to see the eclipse, we will have reflector telescopes and binoculars,” said Dipankar Dey, secretary of the association.
Meanwhile, at Anandarup Amateur Astronomy Centre, near Jaya Cinema, Lake Town, the members have gathered since last night for deep space observation. “The eclipse will be visible in Kolkata from between 5.12pm and 6.32pm. But we gathered here a day before to observe Mars and Jupiter. We will do the same tonight as well because the absence of the moonlight helps in deep space observation,” said Dr Santanu Roy, the centre’s founder. “It is like a party for us,” he added.
Meanwhile, several space photographers have made a beeline for different locations in the city with their special gadgets. “We are going to Dhakuria. I have been associated with star watching and space photography since 2018 and I will not miss this eclipse for anything,” said Souvik Karmakar, a student.
