A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow that darkens and reddens the lunar surface. This celestial event, a result of precise orbital alignment, happens only during a full moon when the three bodies align perfectly.

Every now and then the Moon catches us off guard. You go out, and you think it will have the old white light on and what you see is that the Moon is darker and coppery, even red. The social media is filled with pictures, friends send messages to check up and the next minute everybody is a little interested in astronomy.That cinematic is termed as lunar eclipse and even though the spectacle appears dramatic, the science involved is absolutely marvelous in that it is wonderfully simple.Let’s break it down.It is better to start with the fundamentals of what a lunar eclipse is.A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes exactly in between the Moon and the Sun and prevents the light of the Sun to reach the Moon.Ordinarily, the rays of sunlight are able to travel freely throughout the Sun and reflect on the surface of the Moon and arrive to our eyes. That light is reflected which is why we see the Moon shining in the dark.However, on a lunar eclipse, the earth intervenes.The earth throws a huge shadow into space and as the Moon travels through the shadow of the earth the bright Moon we know starts to fade away, grow darker, and even changes to red.In short:Sun-Earth-Moon taken in a straight line will result in a lunar eclipse.Simple geometry. Stunning results.

Why not once every month?

Many people would ask here, how come that every month the moon revolves around the earth, and yet we should always see lunar eclipses?The solution is in orbital alignment.The orbit of the Moon around the earth is somewhat tilted- approximately five degrees against the orbit of the earth around the Sun. The Moon nearly crosses the shadow of the earth every month either above or below it.Only when three conditions match exactly, a lunar eclipse takes place:It must be a full Moon.The Sun, the Earth and Moon have to fit in an almost perfect way.The moon has to traverse the shadow plane of the earth.That exact coincidence doesn’t occur very frequently and this is why the situations when lunar eclipses take place are special.Learning about the shadow of the Earth: Umbra and Penumbra.The shadow on the earth is not only one dark spot. It has two parts:1. Penumbra – the external shadow that is light.2. Umbra – the shadow in the middle.The types of lunar eclipse depend on these zones.Penumbral Lunar EclipseThere is the slight outer shadow of Earth. The transition is not loud, most people hardly realize it until they are aware that they are supposed to take a specific time.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

The Moon only partially gets into the dark umbra. It appears as though a slice has been made out of the Moon.

Total Lunar Eclipse

This is the dramatic one. All the Moon slips into the umbra of the earth, and rather than being totally absorbed, perforce becomes reddish.And then to the most interesting question.

Why does the Moon turn red?

The term Blood Moon is very likely to have been mentioned to you. The fact that it is a mystery is just the explanation of pure physics.Though the Moon is not directly hit by sunlight as reflected by the Earth, there is some sunlight reaching the Moon indirectly.When the sunlight penetrates through the atmosphere of the earth, the shorter blue rays are scattered in every direction, the same reason why our sky is blue in the daytime and the oranges and reddish rays of the sunset.The rest of the red and orange light curves around the earth and reaches the moon.Then when there is a complete lunar eclipse, the Moon is lighted by all the sunrises and sunsets that occur on earth simultaneously.It is that filtered sunlight which makes the Moon coppery.It is not spooky like it sounds- or nearly poetic at all.

Is it safe to watch?

Yes – completely.The eclipse of the moon is completely safe and can be viewed with the naked eye unlike a solar eclipse that requires the use of eye protection. You may long as you please stare at it.No special glasses. No filters.Just step outside and look up.The experience is not dependent on the use of binoculars or small telescope, which will help in the detection of subtle colour variations and surface details.

What duration does a lunar eclipse take?

Timing is one of the reasons why lunar eclipses are more relaxing than solar ones.The duration of a total lunar eclipse may take a number of hours to complete. The entire phase in itself, appearing red, might take about an hour, or longer.This gradual movement occurs due to the fact that the shadow of the earth is huge in relation to the Moon and therefore the Moon has a slow pace in traversing its shadow.You do not need to hurry to go out at a certain time. The show unfolds gradually.The significance of lunar eclipses to the ancient cultures.Astronomy described eclipses long before eclipses were explained, and they caused awe – and fear.Early civilisation tended to detect the lunar eclipse as omenous or as a sign of doom. In India, the eclipses were related to mythical activities of Rahu and Ketu. They were interpreted as omens by other cultures or oracles in fate.Science has taken the place of superstition today, however, the feeling response has not altered much. To this day, it is oddly compelling to watch the Moon go black.It makes us remember that we are as tied to heavenly motions that have gone on millions of kilometres distant.A reminder of heavenly synchronism.What it symbolizes may be the most beautiful aspect of a lunar eclipse, namely, alignment.Three heavenly bodies: the Sun, the Earth and the Moon, always on the move, momentarily come to the ideal harmony.It is not some supernatural action. No rare cosmic accident. Simply as physics dictates, predictable orbital mechanics doing their job.But it is magic even when the dark sky and the red Moon are shining.Since wonder is not always removed by science, it is enhanced.When the next lunar eclipse strikes you do not need any complex set-up or technical skills.All you have to do is to step out there, take a look up, and get a reminder: you are viewing a shadow of the Earth traversing the Moon in real time.A silent beautiful reminder that even mundane planetary action could make extraordinary events in the sky.

The war between the United States and Iran has entered a volatile new phase, with President Donald Trump signalling a shift in his projected timeline for the conflict. Speaking to NBC, Trump said that the campaign could last “around four weeks”, describing it as one of the most complex offensives ever undertaken. His remarks came as Iran intensified retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, killing civilians in Israel and striking Gulf states that host Western forces.Britain, France and Germany have now vowed to support “necessary and proportionate defensive action” to neutralise Iranian missile capabilities. While stopping short of joining offensive strikes, London has allowed the US to use British bases for limited defensive purposes, underlining how rapidly the war risks widening.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) further confirmed that Hezbollah was responsible for the rocket fire launched from Lebanon.It would also be the first instance of the group firing on Israel since the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force in November 2024.Here are the 10 key developments:

Trump signals extended campaign

Trump acknowledged that the operation, launched jointly with Israel, may run for weeks rather than days. While insisting US objectives would be achieved, he conceded there would “likely be more” American casualties before it ends. The Pentagon confirmed three US service members were killed and five seriously wounded in the opening phase, codenamed Operation Epic Fury.

IRGC headquarters destroyed

US Central Command said it had destroyed the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the powerful force underpinning Iran’s military and economic influence. Trump further claimed nine Iranian naval vessels were sunk and that the navy’s headquarters had been largely destroyed, though Tehran has not confirmed those losses.

Iran retaliates across the region

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and multiple Gulf states. In Israel, strikes hit Jerusalem and the town of Beit Shemesh, killing at least 11 people. Air raid sirens also sounded in northern Israel after projectiles were fired from Lebanon, raising fears of a broader front.

Gulf states invoke self-defence

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned what they called “treacherous” attacks and reserved the right to respond. The Gulf Cooperation Council said member states would take all necessary measures to protect their territories, warning that regional stability is vital to global economic security.

Britain permits US use of bases

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Britain would allow the United States to use its bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” aimed at destroying Iranian missile launch sites. He stressed the UK was not joining offensive action but had a duty to protect British lives and allies in the region.

France and Germany align with UK

In a joint statement, Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to enable “necessary and proportionate defensive action” to stop Iranian missile strikes at source. The declaration marks a significant European shift from diplomacy towards active defensive coordination with Washington.

Strait of Hormuz tensions spike

Iran previously declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and maritime security agencies reported attacks on vessels in the waterway. Any sustained disruption threatens global oil supplies, as roughly a fifth of the world’s traded crude passes through the strait.

Leadership transition in Tehran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that a provisional leadership council had begun work, with a new supreme leader expected within days. Iran’s foreign minister wrote to the United Nations accusing the US and Israel of opening a “dangerous Pandora’s box”.

Supreme Leader killed in opening strikes

Iranian state media confirmed that Ali Khamenei was killed in one of the first waves of strikes targeting senior leadership and Revolutionary Guard facilities. Israeli officials described the mission as a “golden opportunity”, citing months of intelligence coordination with Washington. The killing has left a leadership vacuum in Tehran.

Tensions in US

In the US, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the operation as a “reckless decision”. Protests erupted in Pakistan, while shipping companies suspended Suez Canal routes and airspace closures stranded thousands of travellers. Markets remain jittery amid fears the war could engulf the wider Middle East.

Often known as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game, Indian legend MS Dhoni has been widely praised as one of the most humble cricketers in the world. A former teammate of the legendary cricketer, Wasim Jaffer, has made some spectacular revelations about him.

Former batter Wasim Jaffer, who was once known as one of the finest red-ball batters for India, has revealed some startling facts about the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. The two shared the dressing room during the early days of Jaffer’s career.

Wasim Jaffer reveals MS Dhoni’s goal to make enough for a good life in Ranchi

The expert batter recalled how the Indian wicket-keeper batter, who made it to the Indian team after a long struggle and many phases in his early life, had a very small dream, which he then considered sufficient for his life.

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Though none could deny MS Dhoni’s peak love for the game and his determination to win the matches for India, yet according to Wasim Jaffer, he did not build his career around a thought of superstardom or staggering wealth.

He recalled how Dhoni had then expressed them to earn around INR 30 lakhs, which he felt was enough for him to secure a comfortable life with a house and a car. The memory has resurfaced as a reminder of Dhoni’s mindset, until success and fortune transformed his life.

Jaffer revealed that these things were revealed by Dhoni to his wife, whom he used to address very affectionately when they started to hang out after the former got married.

“So he used to call my wife Bhabhi,” Jaffer said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “So he used to say, Bhabhi, I have to earn 30 lakhs… if I want to have a good life.”

“If I want to have a good life in Ranchi… then if I have 30 lakhs, then it’s enough for me. I will have a house and a car. And I can lead a happy life,” Jaffer quoted Dhoni as saying.

“But who knew destiny had written 30,000 crores?” said Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer then remembered the period when Dhoni had just begun playing for India back in 2004. He then went on to contrast the modest benchmark that was set by Dhoni in his early life and what he attained throughout his life.

“But who knew destiny had written 30,000 crores, not just 30 Lakhs” he said, underlining how dramatically Dhoni’s journey exceeded those early expectations.

MS Dhoni went on to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and after retirement, he ventured into many other dimensions. However, the former Indian star still continues to play for CSK in the IPL, after having announced his international retirement back in 2020.

Wasim Jaffer puts this as a reflection of MS Dhoni’s humility

Though MS Dhoni is one of the most highly paid international stars to have played the sport, Jaffer claimed that the point he was looking to make was not about money but rather about the temperament.

“I mean, he was very down to earth. And I am sure he still is,” he said, adding that Dhoni was “very humble even then,” “very likeable,” and “very approachable.” He concluded by saying that Dhoni, long before he went on to be one of the biggest icons in world cricket, was discussed for his humility.

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Oil prices surged by as much as 10 per cent as markets opened in Asia, after US and Israeli strikes on Iran heightened fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East and potential disruption to global energy supplies.Brent crude and Nymex light sweet crude both leapt sharply in early trading on Monday, before easing slightly. Brent rose more than 12 per cent at one stage to around $82 a barrel, having settled at just over $73 on Friday. By mid-morning in Asia, it was trading close to $79.30, up nearly 9 per cent. US crude climbed about $8, or 12 per cent, to roughly $75 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was up around 8 per cent at about $72.The spike adds to an already strong year for oil, with international benchmark prices having climbed roughly 20 per cent since January. Analysts warned that further escalation could drive energy costs even higher, depending on how Tehran responds and whether supply routes are affected.Particular concern surrounds the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf through which around 15 million barrels of crude oil pass each day — about a fifth of global supply, according to Rystad Energy. Tankers using the strait transport oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Reports of attacks on vessels in the area have raised fears that shipments could slow or halt altogether, restricting exports and pushing up crude and petrol prices worldwide.Jorge León, senior vice-president of geopolitical analysis at Rystad, said markets were focused less on theoretical spare capacity and more on whether oil could physically move through the Gulf. “If flows through the Gulf are constrained, additional production will provide limited immediate relief,” he warned.Meanwhile, US stock futures fell more than 1 per cent, while shares in major oil companies such as Exxon and Chevron gained about 2 per cent.The conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel has escalated into one of the most serious Middle East crises in years, with coordinated US-Israeli air and missile strikes across Iran triggering extensive retaliation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead after the initial offensive, prompting Tehran to launch missiles and drones at Israeli and US targets across the Gulf and into neighbouring states. Casualties have mounted, infrastructure and airspace disruptions are widespread, and global markets are reacting to the heightened risk of prolonged hostilities. International pressure for de-escalation remains intense, even as Iran vows vengeance and the fighting continues.

KOLKATA: It’s a straightforward knockout contest now and number crunching over net run-rate is no longer required. India just have to beat West Indies at the Eden Gardens here on Sunday to make the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. The West Indies are in the same position but punters would advise you to put your money on India. Yet, fingers will remain crossed.The statisticians might still be called upon for calculations in the unlikely scenario of Zimbabwe beating South Africa, but that will only be to decide the group toppers. South Africa are well ahead in that race too. India’s blip against South Africa was a timely reminder that Suryakumar Yadav and his men have to be on their toes all the time. South Africa in fact, also showed that the West Indies, in spite of their recent successes, continue to have a streak of inconsistency that makes them so unpredictable. This Caribbean tendency will also keep India on the alert. One false step can make a huge difference.

Abhishek Sharma’s return to form against Zimbabwe was good news for India, even though the opener wasn’t as free flowing as he normally is. The occasional caution during his half-century indicated that doubts might have crept into his mind following a string of poor scores. Even Tilak Varma would have overcome some uncertainties during his 16-ball 44 against the same opponents. Both will be aware that the West Indies will pose stiffer challenges.

Given Varma’s struggles against spin, facing the likes of Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein can be tricky. India might continue with the leftright opening combination of Abhishek and Sanju Samson, even though the latter didn’t really utilise the opportunity against Zimbabwe to the full. This combination does help in throwing the rival bowlers off their line.Talking about bowlers, Jaspreet Bumrah will once again be the pacer to watch. As soon as he steps on the Eden turf, he will be reminded of his 5 for 27 in the South Africa Test here last Oct. Despite the dryness of the pitch, Bumrah’s spell could well be a deciding factor. Bumrah has been very economical in the tournament so far, giving away just 90 runs in five matches. His accuracy has been one of India’s biggest advantages.

Of course, the West Indies have batters who can prove to be troublesome for India. Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford would need a little time to settle and can turn out to be threats. Skipper Hope is quite uncharacteristic as a Caribbean batter. His shots are much more orthodox and his aggression is calculated. He is capable of molding his innings as per the situation, a quality that might be required at the Eden.They also have a long batting lineup, with Jason Holder and Romero Shephard producing brilliant innings against South Africa coming at No. 7 and 9. The West Indies are a cohesive lot this time around and their players have iterated they are enjoying the dressing room atmosphere. They have played two matches here during the tournament.

NEW DELHI: Neeru Garg and her husband counted pills and hours. Their Sharjah return flight vanished. A taxi ride brought them to Dubai — and into a city under missile fire. “We have no money left and are running low on essential medicines,” Garg, a college principal from Punjab’s Bathinda, said Sunday from the home of an Indian doctor where they found shelter. “We don’t know where to go.”Across west Asia, thousands of Indians — tourists, expatriates, pilgrims, politicians and families with children — have been left stranded after US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered Iranian retaliation. This in turn forced mass airspace closures and shutting down Dubai, the world’s busiest transit hub. “We were asked to leave the airport without any help,” Garg said.Air travel disruptions deepened the crisis. Indian carriers cancelled about 350 flights Sunday alone, while west Asia-based airlines scrubbed more than 1,600 services across their networks. Airports from Chennai and Jaipur to Mangaluru and Amritsar reported mass cancellations to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha and Jeddah.In Karnataka, dozens of Kannadigas were marooned across Dubai after flights were grounded mid-journey. Among them were Congress MLAs NR Bharath Reddy and SR Srinivas, and JD(S) MLC SL Bhojegowda.Bhojegowda, travelling from Johannesburg to India via Dubai with his family, said the shutdown came without warning. “As soon as we reached Dubai airport, it was conveyed to us that all flights were grounded due to air strikes by Iran,” he said in a video message, adding that they were safe but stuck.Karnataka election commissioner SG Sangreshi and Pushpa Amarnath, vice chairperson of state guarantee schemes implementation committee, were also unable to return. Amarnath, who was in Dubai for an award event, said guests received repeated safety alerts. “We were advised not to stand near windows. Around 60 tourists from Karnataka are staying in my hotel. All flights cancelled.”From Ballari district, 50 tourists who flew to Dubai on Feb 24 were left stranded when their return flight on Feb 28 was cancelled as airstrikes began. Fifteen members of one family said they were denied entry at the airport and had exhausted the cash they were carrying.“Hotel rooms were costing Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a night per person. We couldn’t afford it and had no place to go,” one relative said. State MLAs later arranged accommodation for the group in service quarters near the airport.In Kolkata, actor Subhasree Ganguly‘s husband, film director and Trinamool MLA Raj Chakraborty, said she could hear missile blasts from her hotel. She was stranded in Dubai with her son. Return dates remain uncertain.