Lunar Eclipse 2024: How it will impact on your health

Chandra Grahan is also known as a lunar eclipse. All of humanity eagerly awaits any such fascinating and appealing cosmic occurrence. On September 18, 2024, there will be a lunar eclipse; with the maximum eclipse happening around at 8:14 AM IST. This occurrence might seem to be exciting, but it brings with it a ton of health impacts. But are these actually true? Here is all the information one would need about the real and perceived effects of the lunar eclipse on health.


What is the science behind a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses:

Total eclipse: The Moon is entirely covered by Earth’s shadow.

Partial eclipse: Only a part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow.

Penumbral eclipse: The Moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow, causing a subtle dimming.

During the September 18, 2024 event, a partial eclipse will be visible. While many look forward to the stunning sight, some people also worry about its potential effects on their health, due to cultural beliefs and superstitions.




How does it impact our mental health?
It is widely accepted that emotional states such as anxiety, tension, or uneasiness can be affected by lunar eclipses. While some people may experience psychological effects from cosmic events, this is not universal. The eclipse may intensify your anxiousness if you are prone to it. But no scientific evidence exists to support the idea that lunar eclipses have a direct impact on mental health.


What are the effects on pregnant women and lunar eclipses?
Pregnant women are often told not to go outside during a moon eclipse in order to protect the unborn child. There is no scientific support for this notion. Expectant mothers don't need to worry about the eclipse to go out their daily activities. While it is always a good idea to see a doctor if you have any concerns, no medical evidence shows that lunar eclipses are harmful to pregnant women.



Eating during the eclipse: Fact or fiction?
Many traditions advise against eating during a lunar eclipse because they believe the eclipse harms food or causes digestive issues. But science doesn't back this up. Eating during an eclipse does not pose any health risks. According to science, whether or not there is an eclipse, the body processes food in the same way. After the eclipse, be cautious to maintain a well-balanced diet if you fast for religious or cultural reasons.

Does the eclipse affect your skin?
Lunar eclipses are said by astrologers to upset the body's equilibrium and cause skin problems like acne or early ageing. This concept is predicated on Ayurvedic views about imbalance in the body's Kapha dosha. There is no evidence in favour of the scientific theory that a lunar eclipse affects skin tone.

Safety for your eyes during an eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to watch with the naked eye. There is no need for protective glasses or special equipment, although using binoculars or a telescope can enhance your viewing experience. NASA confirms that the moon's rays during an eclipse pose no danger to your eyes.