It seems like that the year 2020 is a pandora’s box for the astrologers and skywatchers worldwide, as it has delighted us with a series of Grahan until now – 2 Upachaya Chandra Grahan and 1 Surya Grahan. However, brace yourselves to witness the 3rd eclipse of the year – penumbral lunar eclipse on July 5th, 2020!
This rare celestial phenomenon occurs when- the Moon, the Sun, and the Earth are not perfectly aligned with each other and the moon passes through the outer part of the earth’s shadow, therefore, resulting in a penumbral lunar eclipse.
Usually, the lunar eclipse occurs during the night of a full moon, wherein, the Sun, and moon are closely aligned together with Earth in between that obstructs the sunlight from reaching the surface of the Moon. The penumbral lunar eclipse is also known as the ‘Thunder Moon Eclipse’- as the month of July that is predominant with summer storms and rain; ‘Buck Moon’ – the male deers shed their antlers, and ‘Hay Moon’- due to the harvest of hay during the season. The eclipse will begin at 8.37 am on July 5, enter its maximum phase at 9:59 am and conclude at 11.22 am. It will continue for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. It will be visible in various cities in North and South America and Africa. However, India will not be able to view this eclipse as it will be below the horizon as per the Indian standard timezone.
However, Indians need not feel disheartened as they can still watch the event online. Rumour has it that it will be a challenge for the sky watchers to witness the penumbral eclipse too as it is tough to identify due it’s a similar appearance like that of a full moon. Insider tip – It is said that the moon will appear darker than usual during the eclipse!
As per the ancient Hindu texts – The significance of Chandra Grahan is associated with the Samudra Manthan episode related to the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu that narrates the combat between the Devas and the Asuras to obtain the Amrit- perhaps the divine nectar of immortality. It further narrates how a demon named Svarbhanu tricked the Devas and tried to escape with the nectar. Subsequently, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Mohini to get the container back from the Asura. The event concludes itself when Lord Vishnu beheads Svarbhanu’s with his Sudarshana Chakra, therefore, resulting in the emergence of two of the most significant mythical karmic astrological entities – Rahu (the head of the demon) and Ketu (the lower body also known as the tail of the demon). It is believed that to avenge Surya and Chandra, Rahu swallows them temporarily, and eventually, Ketu liberates them.
Astrologers believe that the Grahan also predominates the horoscope of the people, whether in a positive or in a negative way that depends on their respective birth charts.
