By Web Desk 
Pakistanis were treated to a spectacular celestial event as they witnessed the second lunar eclipse of 2024. This phenomenon, which took place on the night of September 18, was clearly visible across the country, providing stargazers with an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the cosmos. The eclipse, which was a partial one, had the moon passing through the Earth’s shadow, causing it to appear slightly darker.
The second lunar eclipse of the year captivated the attention of astronomy enthusiasts, casual viewers, and photographers alike, as they set up telescopes and cameras to capture the event. Pakistan is well-positioned geographically to witness such occurrences, and this year has been particularly exciting for astronomy lovers, with two lunar eclipses occurring in a short span of time.
Key Timings of the Eclipse
The partial eclipse began at approximately 8:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) and lasted for nearly three hours. The peak, or maximum eclipse, occurred at around 10:14 PM, when the Earth’s shadow covered a significant portion of the moon, making it appear visibly darker.
Cultural and Religious Significance
In many cultures, lunar eclipses carry profound cultural, historical, and religious significance. In Pakistan, where many people follow the Islamic faith, a lunar eclipse is seen as a time to engage in prayers and seek divine guidance. The event led many to perform the Salat al-Kusuf, a special prayer for eclipses in Islamic tradition.
Astronomical Insight
From an astronomical perspective, lunar eclipses occur when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The moon can take on a reddish tint during total eclipses due to Rayleigh scattering—this is often referred to as a “blood moon.” However, this eclipse was partial, so the moon only darkened without the red hue.
Stargazers in Pakistan can look forward to more celestial wonders, as astronomy becomes increasingly popular among the younger generation.