The first lunar eclipse of the year was witnessed in the provincial metropolis on the night between Wednesday and Thursday.
Sky gazers standing in courtyards, roofs and roads observed the longest lunar eclipse in 11 years. The moon also changed its colour during the course of the eclipse that lasted for over two hours. This was the first lunar eclipse of the year and the second will occur on December 10.
Lunar eclipse takes place when the earth casts its shadow over the moon. Moon is considered a symbol of beauty but its eclipse also attracts millions of people around the world. Citizens of Lahore were seen waiting for the moment; some took photographs while others captured videos to record the event. Citizens said one of the longest eclipses was not less than a visual treat for them and they enjoyed it by watching with friends.
Eclipse also urged the Facebook users to share interesting comments during the eclipse – a user updated his status, “load shedding on the moon”.
Unlike a solar eclipse, that can be viewed in a restricted location on the globe, a lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on the night side of the Earth.
A university student, Faizan said that, “I was staring at moon half-laying on rest chair in my house’s lawn and was amazed how it was illuminating the sky when suddenly a part of it darkened slightly. I thought it was my eyes deceiving me but with time, the darkened part increased and in an hour or two the moon completely disappeared under the Earth’s shadow. It was extremely astounding to see full moon vanishing from the scene.”
According to astronomers, eclipse causes the moon to change colour, frequently in shades of yellow, orange, or red. The eclipse which started on Wednesday night continued till Thursday morning.
