ÔÇ£A total lunar eclipse will be visible tonight across much of the globe including Kashmir,ÔÇØ said Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday in a communiqu├®.
ÔÇ£Weather permitting, we will be witnessing the longest total lunar eclipse of the century that will last for one hour and forty-three minutes. During this time the usually silvery moon will take a reddish hue, a phenomenon called Blood Moon.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£You donÔÇÖt need to wear special filters or protective glasses to view this beautiful celestial sight,ÔÇØ said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
ÔÇ£It is perfectly safe to watch this spectacular view with naked eyes,ÔÇØ he said.
ÔÇ£Unlike a total solar eclipse, when it is dangerous to look at the sun without protective glasses, the moon never gets bright enough to cause a danger to your eyes,ÔÇØ he added.
Dispelling apprehensions, Dr Nisar said pregnant women can safely watch this rare red moon event. There is no scientific evidence to prove that the lunar eclipse harms the baby or the mother.
He said there are certain beliefs and myths that have revolved around this phenomenon for centuries. In olden days, people were advised against consuming food or water during an eclipse. But these beliefs are mere superstitions. It is absolutely safe to eat and drink during an eclipse and one can safely lead a normal lifestyle during an eclipse.
TonightÔÇÖs eclipse will start at 11:44 pm and the total eclipse is expected from 1 am to 2:43 am when the moon will be in the middle of the earthÔÇÖs shadow and will appear reddish in colour. The eclipse will continue till 4:58 am, though the effect will not look as great.
Source: Doctor's Association Kashmir