The sky will put on a rare celestial show on March 3, 2026, as the Moon turns a dramatic shade of red during a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a Blood Moon. This breathtaking phenomenon will be visible from many parts of the globe, and skywatchers are gearing up to witness it with the naked eye — no special glasses needed.
Total Lunar Eclipse: What is a Blood Moon and Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
A Blood Moon occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight from hitting the lunar surface. Instead of fading into darkness, the Moon glows red because Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to reach its surface, the same effect that makes sunsets appear red.
This dramatic red hue can last for about 58 minutes during the eclipse’s peak phase, known as totality, making the event a spectacular sight for stargazers across continents.
Total Lunar Eclipse on 3 March: Exact Timings for the Total Lunar Eclipse in India (IST Timing)
According to astronomers, the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will follow this global timeline for UTC and IST:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 08:44 UTC (2:14 PM IST)
- Partial eclipse begins: 09:50 UTC (3:20 PM IST)
- Total eclipse begins: 11:04 UTC (4:34 PM IST)
- Maximum eclipse (deepest red): 11:33 UTC (5:03 PM IST)
- Totality ends: 12:02 UTC (5:32 PM IST)
- Partial eclipse ends: 13:17 UTC ( 6:47 PM IST)
- Event concludes: 14:23 UTC (7:53 PM IST)
Throughout this period, the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, first dimming and then taking on the reddish glow that gives this event its nickname.
Total Lunar Eclipse: Where and When to Watch the Blood Moon From India
Skywatchers in India will have a good chance to see this event, though the experience will vary by location.
- Moonrise: Around 6:26 PM IST on March 3, the Moon will already be partially eclipsed as it rises above the eastern horizon.
- Visible Phase: As the Moon climbs higher, the eclipse will be in its final stages. Most of India will see the Moon emerging from Earth’s shadow at dusk.
- Duration: 20–30 minutes of visible eclipse after moonrise in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
March Lunar Eclipse: Best Indian Regions for Full Totality
In northeastern states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, the Moon will rise already during totality, giving residents a chance to see the deep red Moon just as it appears above the horizon.
Total Lunar Eclipse: Where Else Will the Blood Moon Be Seen?
The March 3 eclipse is one of the few total lunar eclipses visible across large parts of the world:
- North America — entire eclipse visible before sunrise.
- Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, Pacific regions — visible during evening and night.
- Europe and Africa — parts of the eclipse may not be visible due to moonset or daylight.
This event is special because it’s the only total lunar eclipse in 2026 and the last one until late 2028.
March Lunar Eclipse: How to Watch the Blood Moon
Here’s how to make the most of this sky spectacle:
- No special gear needed: The eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to see lunar details and deeper red tones.
- Choose a clear eastern horizon: For Indian viewers, the rising Moon will be low, so an unobstructed view matters.
- Check local weather: Clouds or haze can hide the eclipse.
Even though the Moon won’t be fully eclipsed for all regions in India, stepping outside at moonrise on March 3 around sunset will offer a memorable glimpse of Earth’s shadow lifting off the lunar surface, a beautiful reminder of the cosmic dance in our skies.
