Three-hr partial lunar eclipse on July 16-17 night

Sky enthusiasts in the country can witness a three-hour long partial lunar eclipse early Wednesday, when the Earth will move between the Sun and the Moon.

The eclipse will begin around 1.31 am on Wednesday, the research and academic director of M P Birla Planetarium in the city, Debiprosad Duari, told PTI. The greatest partial eclipse when the Moon will look the darkest will be around 3 am.

"Skywatchers should not miss this chance since there will be no proper lunar eclipse till 2021," he said.

The celestial phenomenon will be visible entirely from all parts of the country, besides parts of South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, Duari said.

The Moon will remain partially eclipsed till 4:29 am on Wednesday. So it is a golden opportunity for the sky enthusiasts in the country as the eclipse will be visible almost throughout the night, he said.

On Tuesday night, only a part of the Moon will pass the Earth's shadow. Around 3:01 am on Wednesday, 65 per cent of the Moon's ...