At ClickedArt.com, where every photograph tells a story, I had the privilege of capturing this cosmic drama through my lens. Alongside its visual beauty, this event holds deep cultural significance in India, where lunar eclipses have been revered and feared for centuries.

The Science Behind the Red Moon

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. During totality, sunlight bends around the Earth and scatters, giving the Moon a beautiful array of shades, including orange, copper, and deep red.

This natural “color filter” is the same wonderful phenomenon that colors our skies in beautiful shades of crimson during sunrise and sunset. For photographers, it’s a special opportunity to explore and experiment with light, shadow, and long exposures in a truly unique setting.

Photographing the Eclipse: My Technique

Capturing the eclipse required thoughtful planning and the right technical settings. Here are some settings behind-the-scenes insights:

1. Camera & Lens: Canon R1 with RF 600mm f4.0 lens
2. Tripod: Essential for long exposures.
3. Settings: Shutter Speed: Use slower exposures (1–60 seconds) during totality to allow for more light.; Aperture: Around f/4 to f/8 for sharpness; ISO: Between 200–600, depending on moon brightness and stage.
4. Tip: Adjust settings frequently as the brightness changes dramatically before, during, and after totality.

Every shot demanded patience—balancing sharpness with minimal noise, while also maintaining the moon’s mystical red glow.

The Indian Manyatās (Beliefs) About Lunar Eclipses

In Indian culture, lunar eclipses (Chandra Grahan) are more than just astronomical events; they hold deep spiritual and symbolic meaning. Some important beliefs associated include:

A Time of Caution

Many people fast or refrain from eating during the eclipse because it is believed that food prepared under the eclipsed moon may become impure.

Rahu and Ketu Legends

According to Hindu mythology, eclipses occur because the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu swallow the Moon or Sun as revenge for being deceived during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Spiritual Cleansing

Bathing in holy rivers or reciting mantras, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, during an eclipse is considered auspicious for cleansing negative energy.

Pregnancy Precautions

Many recommend that expectant mothers stay indoors during an eclipse to keep their unborn child safe from “harmful rays.”

Renewal and Reflection

In modern spiritual practices, the lunar eclipse is often regarded as a time of transformation—a poignant reminder to release negativity and welcome new beginnings.

Bridging Science and Culture

While modern science describes the lunar eclipse as a beautiful interaction of shadows and light, cultural traditions gently remind us of the deep spiritual bond humanity shares with the universe. As I stood under the night sky, camera in hand, I was moved by both the precision of astronomy and the wonder of timeless stories.

Every click of the shutter was more than just taking a photo — it felt like a heartfelt conversation between my lens, the universe, and our beautiful cultural heritage.

The Blood Moon symbolises wonder, mystery, and connection. Through my captures, I aim to share more than just images—a fusion of cosmic science, photographic art, and Indian traditions that continue to inspire us.

Next time the sky darkens and the moon turns red, may we pause, reflect, and remember our place in the universe.