Total lunar eclipse 2026: Photos of rare 'Blood Moon'

The first lunar eclipse of 2026 concluded on Tuesday evening, leaving skywatchers across India captivated. As the Moon slowly emerged from Earth’s shadow, cities reported striking visuals of the fading “Blood Moon,” marking the end of one of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events.

In Delhi, residents caught a dramatic glimpse of an almost full “Blood Moon” around 6:40 PM. Though totality had largely passed by moonrise, the capital still witnessed the Moon glowing in a deep reddish hue before gradually regaining its usual brightness.

A partial lunar eclipse was visible over Marina in Chennai on Tuesday evening, with residents spotting the Moon partially covered by Earth’s shadow. The brief celestial display drew skywatchers to the beachfront as the Moon gradually regained its usual brightness.

In Ranchi, the eclipse neared its conclusion with the Moon steadily returning to normal luminosity. Observers watched as Earth’s shadow receded, bringing the celestial event to a calm and gradual close in the eastern skies.

Visuals from Guwahati in Assam showed the partial lunar eclipse phase clearly, with a visible darkened portion of the Moon. Skywatchers captured the transition as the Moon moved out of the Earth’s umbral shadow during the final stretch.

Chandigarh residents witnessed the closing act of the eclipse shortly after moonrise. The Moon appeared partially shadowed at first, offering a brief but striking display before the umbral phase came to an end.

In Uttar Pradesh, viewers at IIT Kanpur recorded vivid visuals of the Red Moon during the eclipse. The spectacle drew attention from students and astronomy enthusiasts who witnessed the Moon’s coppery tint before it slowly brightened.

Kolkata experienced a dramatic skyline moment as the Red Moon illuminated the evening sky. The city witnessed the concluding phase of the first lunar eclipse of 2026, with the Moon gradually shedding its crimson shade and returning to full brightness.

In Assam’s Nagaon district, visuals showed the Moon bathed in a reddish glow as the eclipse progressed. The rare celestial sight was visible for a limited window before the Moon transitioned back to its natural silvery tone.