Tonight, the Moon is putting on a show. It will slowly turn dark and then glow red. This is called a lunar eclipse.
When to Look (India Time)
8:58 PM: A faint shadow starts (penumbral eclipse). 9:57 PM: A dark bite appears (partial eclipse). 11:00 PM: The Moon is fully inside Earth’s shadow and turns red (total eclipse). 11:41 PM: The red Moon is at its brightest. 12:22 AM: The red colour fades. 1:26 AM: The shadow is almost gone. 2:25 AM: Back to normal.
So the best time to watch is between 11:00 PM and 12:22 AM.
Mark your calendars! On Friday, April 25, 2025, the early morning sky over India will host a rare and enchanting celestial event. Venus, Saturn, and a delicate crescent Moon will align in the pre-dawn sky to form a pattern that looks just like a smiley face.
What you’ll see
Venus and Saturn will appear as bright “eyes.” The crescent Moon will rest below them, forming a beautiful curved “smile.”
This cosmic coincidence is a treat for both amateur stargazers and seasoned skywatchers.
When and where to watch in India
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025 Time: Around 5:30 a.m. IST, just before sunrise Direction: Look toward the eastern horizon Visibility: Best viewed with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky
Weather forecasts across much of India suggest clear skies, making this event widely visible.
Viewing tips
No equipment needed – it’s visible to the naked eye. Use binoculars or a telescope for a closer look at the planets and Moon. Photographers can use a tripod and zoom lens to capture the smile in the sky.
Bonus: Meteor Shower
This event follows the Lyrid meteor shower, which peaks around April 22. So, you might spot a few shooting stars while enjoying the planetary smile!
Don’t miss this rare moment to see the cosmos grin down at Earth.
umasundresh
