A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow. This shadow has two parts: the total shadow called the umbra and the partial shadow termed the penumbra. If the Moon becomes completely immersed into the umbra, a total eclipse occurs; and if only a portion of it falls into the umbra, a partial eclipse occurs.

Chandra Grahan, a shallow penumbral lunar eclipse, will take place on August 6, 2009. This lunar eclipse is the third of the four lunar eclipses that occur in 2009 which will be partially visible in India. The first Chandra Grahan in 2009 occurred in February, the second was on July 7 and the fourth and last Chandra Grahan in 2009 will take place on December 31.

According to NASA, the eclipse is not visible to the naked eye. It will take place in South America, Africa, West Asia and Europe. It will take place at moon rise in parts of United States, Canada and Caribbean Islands. In India and Nepal it will take place at the time of moonset from 04:34 to 07:44 hrs IST.

Hindu Panchangs and calendars are referring it as Madhya Chhaya Chandragrahan and no timings are given. They advise one need not follow any rituals.