Lunar Eclipse 2026: There will be two eclipse partial and total which will offer safe and stunning night sky views across much of the world.
The Moon glows copper-red during a total lunar eclipse as Earth’s shadow slowly passes across its surface (Photo: File)
Lunar Eclipse 2026: The night sky in the year 2026 the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow not once but twice with both the occurrences of the lunar eclipse will be visible from various parts of the world. Contrary to the mere occurrence of Solar Eclipse, the lunar Eclipse is an occurrence that takes place slowly.
Lunar Eclipse is also known as Chandra Grahan, the Earth casts its shadow between the Sun and Moon when the sun's rays pass through the Earth's atmosphere and they project layered shadows on the Moon's surface. Based on their positions the moon gets partially eclipsed or turns copper colored.
In the year 2026, there will be two eclipses on the Moon and these eclipses are characterized by the fact that during the first, transformation will be complete and involving the total change of the Moon's appearance. In the other, change will be partial with involving only part of the Moon as it passes into the darker side of the Earth's shadow.
| DATE | TYPE | TIMINGS (EST) |
| 3 MARCH, 2026 | Total | 03:44 AM - 09:23 AM |
| 27 - 28 MARCH, 2026 | Partial | 09:22 PM - 03:03 AM |
On March 3, when the Moon enters the penumbral shadow of Earth at 3:44 am EST. Progressively, the Moon becomes engulfed in the umbral shadow, causing it to appear with a reddish tint and resulting from sunlight scatters in Earth's atmosphere. The event ends at 9:23 am EST in the regions of Asia, Australia, Pacific, America and North America.
The second eclipse will take place as the Moon makes contact with the penumbra at 9:22 pm EST on 27 August. Entering the umbra happens at 10:33 pm which will cause the Moon to form a dark spot as it makes contact with the umbra. The event will come to an end at 3:03 am on 28 August in different places around the globe as America, Europe, Africa and Western Asia will witness the phases of the eclipse in their local times.
The total lunar eclipse on 3 March, 2026 will remain partially visible in certain parts of India and the partial lunar eclipse on August 2026 will not be visible in India.
