Seeing the Total Lunar Eclipse from the Sky: Flight Options in India

The total lunar eclipse on July 27, 2018, was a breathtaking event that engaged astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike. However, viewing this celestial event from the ground in India was limited. Due to the eclipse's timing and visibility, specific flight options emerged as the perfect solution for those who couldn't catch a glimpse of the eclipse on the ground.

Timing and Visibility of the Total Lunar Eclipse

The timing of the total lunar eclipse on July 27, 2018, can be summarized as follows:

Partial eclipse begins: 23:54 IST (Indian Standard Time) Total eclipse begins: 01:00 IST Eclipse maximum: 01:51 IST Total eclipse ends: 02:43 IST Partial eclipse ends: 03:49 IST

It's important to note that due to the position of the aircraft and the fact that the moon is above the plane during its partial phase, viewing the eclipse directly from an airplane was not possible. This means that passengers aboard a plane would not be able to see the whole event from a window within the aircraft.

Visibility and Flight Options

Despite the favorable timing, the eclipse was not visible in the eastern part of West Bengal. Most of India was in the path of the eclipse, but the weather posed a significant barrier due to the onset of the monsoon season. Furthermore, the duration of the eclipse (6 hours) exceeded domestic flight durations, meaning that there were few options for flights that could potentially offer prolonged viewing during the eclipse's totality phase.

Preferable Flight Options

Given these constraints, one of the best options was an international flight. One possible destination could be Dubai, which offered a viable alternative for those who wanted to witness the total lunar eclipse from a unique perspective.

Why Dubai?

Increased Viewing Time: Flights to Dubai often last longer, including international transfers, providing ample time for partial and total phases of the eclipse. Airport Experience: Dubai International Airport, with its modern facilities, can provide a comfortable and convenient environment for observing the eclipse. Visibility: The clear weather conditions in Dubai during that period, mitigated by the cooler climate, would offer clearer skies and better visibility of the eclipse. Flexible Scheduling: International flights might have more flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times, allowing for the totality of the eclipse to be captured.

Map of Total Lunar Eclipse on July 27, 2018

Refer to the map of the total lunar eclipse on July 27, 2018, to plan your journey. This map provides a visual representation of the eclipse's path and visibility across India, highlighting areas where the eclipse was not visible or had poor visibility due to weather.

Conclusion

Although the eclipse of July 27, 2018, was a fascinating astronomical event, finding the right flight options to witness the total lunar eclipse presented a unique challenge. By carefully planning and considering international flights, particularly to destinations like Dubai, enthusiasts could maximize their chances of seeing the entire celestial event in its entirety.