Lunar Eclipse 2020: All you need to know about 'Wolf Moon Eclipse' on January 10

After witnessing the ‘ring of fire’ aka solar eclipse on the 26th of December 2019, sky enthusiasts, it is time to gear up for the wolf moon eclipse of 2020. Yes, the decade’s first lunar eclipse will take place on 10th January 2020 and it will be visible from Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. The best part is this eclipse can be seen from all over India.

For the sky grazers all around the world, this celestial event will be an exciting opportunity to witness the rare wolf eclipse. A lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is an astrological phenomenon where the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, either partially or totally. This eclipse will be the first of the four penumbral lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan) which may take place this year.

A penumbral eclipse is a little difficult to observe as it is usually darker. This happens because the Sun, the Earth and the Moon do not form a perfectly straight line. During the penumbral eclipse, the Earth doesn’t exactly block sunlight from reaching the Moon, rather it covers all or a portion of the Moon with the outer part of its shadow.

According to ancient legends and myths, wolfs howl at the full moon in the month of January, hence the nickname ‘wolf eclipse’ was given. Pop culture also believes that dogs go a little crazy when the wolf moon dictates the sky as it is considered the most dangerous moon, after Halloween’s full moon. However, be rest assured that you will not turn into a werewolf when the full moon shines in the sky during the eclipse.

In India, this lunar eclipse can be seen from 10:30 pm on 10th January 2020 till 2:42 am, 11th January 2020. The complete span of lunar eclipse is expected to be around 4 to 5 hours. This eclipse will be the first of the four penumbral eclipses in this year. The other tentative dates for the same are 5th June, 5th July and 30th November.