A rare and spectacular astronomical event, a Total Lunar Eclipse, is happening on March 3, 2026. Also called a ‘Blood Moon’, this eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, blocking the direct sunlight and bending only red and orange hues onto the lunar surface. This gives the Moon a deep reddish color, which is why it is popularly known as a Blood Moon.
This year’s lunar eclipse is especially striking because it has a magnitude of 1.155, meaning the Moon will be significantly covered by Earth’s darkest shadow, called the umbra, creating a deep and prominent total eclipse.
When and Where to Watch the Eclipse?
In India, the lunar eclipse will begin with a partial phase at 3:20 p.m. IST. The Moon will enter full totality, when it turns red, at 4:34 p.m. IST and remain fully eclipsed until 5:33 p.m. IST. The entire eclipse event will finish at around 6:48 p.m. IST.
Because the Moon rises in the evening, many parts of India will only see the later stages of the eclipse. However, skywatchers in North-East India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will have a better view of the total phase as the Moon rises.
People do not need special glasses to watch a lunar eclipse, it is completely safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope can make the experience even more detailed.
This eclipse won’t just be visible in India. Parts of Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Americas will also see the Moon turn red as it passes through the Earth’s shadow.
A lunar eclipse only occurs during a full moon when Earth is exactly between the Sun and the Moon. Sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters shorter (blue) wavelengths and lets longer (red) wavelengths reach the Moon. This makes the Moon appear reddish, the iconic Blood Moon effect.
This eclipse is special because after 2026, the next total lunar eclipse visible from many parts of the world will not happen until late 2028.
If the skies are clear, step outside on March 3, 2026, around sunset and look toward the eastern horizon, you might catch this remarkable Blood Moon in action!
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