Q. See question (3702) above. Is one even supposed to watch a lunar eclipse?
A. On question 1419 regarding if one can tell other people about a solar eclipse. we wrote: “On the introduction to Chidushei Hagranat (p. 14- relating the life-history of Hagaon Rav Naftoli Trop zt”l) the following is quoted: Rabbi Shmuel Pliskin zt”l, a talmid of the Yeshiva in Radin, in an article published in the monthly Torah Journal titled “Bais Yaakov” (Elul 5722/1962, Page 13 – relates that the Chofetz Chaim instructed the residents of Radin to view a solar eclipse (that occurred in Radin) to see how the Ribono Shel Olam slowly ceases the koach of the mighty sun, which is worshiped by some nations as an Avoda Zarah, to show that the sun was nivra (created) and is a not a borei (creator).
He adds that next to the Yeshiva building, the bachurim were standing… and Rav Naftoli,the Rosh Hayeshiva was looking through a soot coated glass… and in awe exclaimed; you
should not look (into the sun), but you should see and understand.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed, if someone was to have a correct and propitious intention in his act of witnessing the greatness and beauty of Creation, as the Chofetz Chaim had, he would be commended for his participation, as he would for any similar mitzva.
”
Indeed, on the solar eclipse of August 2017, some of the Kollel learners made a point to go out for few minutes and appreciate the eclipse.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that lunar eclipses are different than solar, since our Sages teach (Suka 29a) that a solar eclipse is a bad omen for the entire world, that follows the solar calendar, while a lunar eclipse is considered a bad sign for the Jewish nation, who calculate the duration of months according to the cycles of the moon. Therefore, one should avoid watching a lunar eclipse.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a