Here is What You Need to Know About the Strawberry Eclipse

A strawberry moon eclipse is set to occur on June 5. While the whole world may not be able to watch the eclipse, the strawberry moon can definitely be spotted. Here is what you need to know about the eclipse

What is a Lunar Eclipse 
A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and earth are aligned and form a straight line. The eclipse is caused when the earth&rsquos shadow blocks the sun&rsquos light from reaching the moon and thus casting a shadow on the moon. Occurring only during a full moon, there are three types of lunar eclipses total, partial and penumbral. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth covers the entire moon while in a partial eclipse only a part of the natural satellite is hidden. In a penumbral eclipse, the Earth does not directly hide the moon but the Earth&rsquos outer shadow, also known as penumbra, covers the moon partially or completely. Hence, during a penumbral eclipse the moon doesn&rsquot disappear, rather only fades. 

Why is it called Strawberry Moon Eclipse
The full moon occurring at this time of the year is called the strawberry moon. Native North Americans derived the name since it is the season to harvest wild strawberries in northeastern North America. It is also called a Honey Moon as June end is the harvesting time for honey as well. In Europe it is also called the Rose moon or the Hot moon marking the beginning of summer heat in European nations. 

What will happen during the eclipse
During the eclipse, which will only be spotted in Asia, Africa and Australia, the moon will appear dark and silvery. The western hemisphere will witness the same phenomenon next month, tentatively on July 4.  

When will the eclipse be visible in India
Between June 5 and 6, India will witness the Strawberry moon eclipse that will last for a total of 3 hours and 18 minutes. India will witness the eclipse from June 5, 1115 pm till June 6, 0234 am, with the maximum eclipse visible at 1254 am, June 6.

When can we spot the next one
This penumbral lunar eclipse is the second in the series of 4&mdashone which was spotted earlier this year in January, another one in July and the last one in November. India will only be able to spot the one is June, while some regions in the northern or eastern parts might be able to spot the eclipse in November.