Get ready for a celestial double feature unlike anything seen in decades: Mars is about to make its closest approach to Earth in 15 years—just as the full moon blushes red in the longest “blood moon” eclipse of the century.
Both the moon and Mars will dominate the overnight hours on July 27 and into the morning of July 28, traveling across the sky beside each other while appearing to be separated by only five degrees, equal to the width of three middle fingers held at arm’s length.
On the 27th, the red planet will swing the closest it has come to Earth since August 2003, allowing sky-watchers around the world to see our neighboring world about as big and bright it can ever get in our skies.
And while you shouldn’t expect Mars to look as big as the full moon, as many online hoaxes in past years have suggested, you will also get to see the actual moon painted red as it undergoes a total lunar eclipse.
Here are some beliefs around eating and consumption of water that are still followed, as suggested by Mitali Madhusmita:
Stop eating two hours before an eclipse.
Eat light and easy to digest foods before and after eclipse. Turmeric can be added to it for its antibacterial properties. Avoid non-vegetarian food because it takes very long to digest.
Don't carry any cooked food anywhere before an eclipse, as the harmful radiation during an eclipse can be absorbed by the food.
Pregnant women and elderly may eat during the eclipse. However, they should eat light food like dry fruits and raisins to give them energy.
Darbha grass kept in food containers.
