Skygazers worldwide are preparing for a total lunar eclipse, often called a "Blood Moon," set to occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This rare celestial event happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that makes the Moon appear a striking reddish-orange. While the full spectacle will be visible across parts of Asia, Australia, and North America, observers in India will only catch the concluding phases of the eclipse after moonrise.[en+3]
Total Eclipse Brings Red Hue
A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves entirely into Earth's dark central shadow, known as the umbra. During this alignment, sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere, scattering blue light and allowing red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon's surface, giving it the distinctive "Blood Moon" appearance.The total phase of this eclipse will last for 58 minutes and 19 seconds.The maximum point of the eclipse, when the Moon is deepest in Earth's shadow, will occur at 11:33 AM UTC on March 3.[timesnownews+3]
The entire lunar eclipse event, from the moment the Moon first enters Earth's fainter outer shadow (penumbra) until it completely exits, spans approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes.Unlike solar eclipses, which require special eye protection, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view directly with the naked eye.Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, revealing more detail on the Moon's surface.[starwalk+5]
India's Limited Viewing Window
For most of India, the Moon will rise already in the later stages of the eclipse, meaning the dramatic "Blood Moon" totality will occur before it becomes visible.Observers across the country will primarily witness the Moon emerging from Earth's shadow, appearing subtly darker than usual as it passes through the penumbral phase.The eclipse officially concludes at 9:23 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).[starwalk+3]
Specific timings for major Indian cities show the Moon rising while the eclipse is already underway. In New Delhi, the Moon will rise at approximately 6:18 PM IST.In Mumbai, moonrise is expected slightly later, around 6:38 PM IST.The maximum visible phase for India is anticipated between 6:33 PM and 6:40 PM IST.This means Indian viewers will have a relatively short window, roughly 20 minutes after moonrise, to observe the final partial stages.[indiatoday+4]
Some northeastern regions of India, however, may have a slightly better chance. In cities like Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Kohima, and Itanagar, the Moon could rise while the total phase is still in progress, offering a glimpse of the reddish hue.This total lunar eclipse coincides with Holi celebrations in India, adding a celestial backdrop to the festivities.[timeanddate+2]
Global Visibility and Next Opportunities
The total lunar eclipse will offer a spectacular view for those in eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region, and large parts of North and Central America.In places like New Zealand, the entire event will be visible from start to finish, with the Moon turning red around 11:00 PM local time on March 3, and maximum eclipse occurring just after midnight on March 4.Conversely, the eclipse will not be visible at all from Africa or Europe.[starwalk+6]
This March 3 event marks the only total lunar eclipse of 2026.After this, skywatchers will have to wait until December 31, 2028, for the next total lunar eclipse.That later event will be visible across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and much of Europe.Astronomy experts suggest finding a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon to best observe the March 3 eclipse in India.[starwalk+7]
