In anticipation of the rare celestial event known as the “Blood Moon,” the Science Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram will host a special public programme on the night of September 7, 2025, to facilitate live viewing of the total lunar eclipse. The initiative aims to promote scientific curiosity and public engagement with astronomy, particularly among students and sky enthusiasts across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The total lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, will be visible across most parts of India, including Sri Vijaya Puram. During the eclipse, the Moon will take on a deep crimson hue due to Rayleigh scattering—a phenomenon where Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, allowing only longer red wavelengths to reach the lunar surface.
According to the Science Centre’s official schedule, the eclipse will begin at 8:58 PM IST and reach its peak—known as the totality phase—between 11:00 PM and 12:22 AM. The event will conclude at approximately 2:25 AM on September 8. The programme will run from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM and will include a multimedia presentation explaining the science behind lunar eclipses, followed by live telescope viewing for attendees.
Officials have confirmed that the viewing will be safe for the naked eye and no protective gear is required. The Centre encourages participants to bring binoculars or cameras to enhance their experience. However, the programme is subject to weather conditions, and visibility may be affected by cloud cover or light pollution.
This initiative is part of the Science Centre’s ongoing efforts to foster public interest in space science and provide experiential learning opportunities. Organizers expect a strong turnout and have made arrangements to accommodate both students and general visitors.
