Mumbai, August 7: India is set to witness a partial lunar eclipse take over the skies on Monday’s full moon night, also coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. While the partial lunar eclipse will begin at 10:52 pm on August 7, it will end at 12.48 am on August 8, lasting 1 hour and 55 minutes. Sky gazers can head to planetarium in their city to witness the celestial activity as it takes place tonight. Click here to watch live streaming of lunar eclipse Also Read - India's COVID Tally Surpasses 53 Lakh-mark, Deaths Stand at 85,619; 5 Worst-hit States Report High Level of Recoveries | Key Points

What happens in a partial lunar eclipse? Also Read - Schools Reopening From Monday | What Back to Classes Might Look Like Amid Pandemic

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon align in a straight line. The Sun’s light doesn’t reach the moon’s surface as the Earth blocks it. It covers the whole or part of the Moon with its shadows also known as penumbra. Also Read - COVID-19: With Spike of Over 96,000 Cases, India's Tally Crosses 52-Lakh Mark, Deaths Near 85K

The penumbral part of the lunar eclipse, which is not visible, will begin at 9:20 pm while it will end at 2:20 am on August 8. The visible lunar eclipse will appear between 10:52 pm and 12:48 am. The lunar eclipse will also be visible in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe.

The Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi has set up telescopes for visitors to watch the Moon before the eclipse and the partial phases of the eclipse at the Teen Murti lawns. Visitors can head to Nehru Planetarium from 9:00 pm on Monday night.

Myths around lunar eclipse in India

Many people believe an eclipse to be a bad omen and do not eat or drink during the celestial activity. Religious beliefs in India say food becomes impure during an eclipse and should not be eaten. To lessen the impact of the eclipse on the food, people add basil (tulsi) leaves to their food and water during the eclipse.

There are also myths surrounding the health of pregnant women during an eclipse. Pregnant women are advised by elders not to go out during the eclipse or view the activity with naked eyes. They say the child in the womb tends to develop deformities if a pregnant woman does so.

However, there is no scientific evidence to prove any of the above myths. While some believe in them, some move out of their house to watch the celestial activity in the skies.

Solar eclipse on August 21

This lunar eclipse comes just ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 21. While the solar eclipse will not be visible in India, it is being said to be one of the most amazing sight for sky watchers. Stay tuned to India.com for updates on how and where you can watch the solar eclipse of August 21 online.

(Compiled by Pragati Ratti Sharma)