Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: When and where to watch the 'Blood Moon'; will it be visible in India?

Eclipses are those wonders of the solar system that give a glimpse about a totally different perspective of the alignment of the Earth, Moon and the Sun.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. This alignment occurs only during a full moon, blocking direct sunlight and causing the Moon to dim or turn a striking reddish hue, often called a "Blood Moon."

Unlike solar eclipses, Lunar ones are safe to view with the naked eye and visible from anywhere on Earth's night side. They last hours, with totality, the full shadow phase, typically up to about two hours.

When and where to watch the Total Lunar Eclipse?

On March 3, a total lunar eclipse will be visible briefly from the night side of the Earth and the region also includes India.


Unlike picky solar eclipses, lunar ones shine for anyone facing the Moon, as Earth lies between the Sun and the lunar surface, casting its umbra shadow. In New Delhi and Noida, the Moon will rise partially eclipsed at 6:26 pm IST, and wraps by 6:46 pm IST, according to DrikPanchang.

Why does the Moon glow red during the eclipse?

As totality hits, the Moon turns a rusty "Blood Moon" red via Rayleigh scattering. Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight, bending longer red wavelengths to illuminate the shadowed Moon. NASA notes this total phase lasts about 59 minutes.

How are shadows different in Solar and Lunar eclipses

Solar eclipses need the Moon between Earth and Sun, its tiny shadow tracing a thin path, so the regions outside the shadow region do not experience the Solar eclipse.

Lunar eclipses change it; on the contrary, Earth's broad shadow engulfs the Moon, visible widely. This March event, the first total lunar of 2026, won't repeat fully till 2029.