{"id":"f-73cd9b4b27-769dfc05-5830-59cc-ad67-5e319a191e19","title":"Lunar eclipse 2026: When moon turns red and how to watch it safely","description":"Total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will turn the Moon red across India. Plan the best viewing spots, timings, and tips to witness this rare celestial spectacle.","timestamp":1772372096,"category":"travel_and_lifestyle","headline":"Lunar eclipse 2026: When moon turns red and how to watch it safely","modifiedHeadline":"Lunar Eclipse 2026: India to See 'Blood Moon'","subCategories":["scid_fc6ef9b7"],"subcategoriesName":["News"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"7b48871c-c993-4956-b43d-6f46f8e1b036","bundleTitle":"Today In India","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"472","fcSummary":"a total lunar eclipse, dubbed a \"blood moon,\" will be visible across india on march 3, 2026. the event occurs when earth aligns between the sun and moon, casting a shadow and creating a reddish glow. totality will last about an hour in several locations, best viewed during moonrise. the eclipse spans from 3:20 pm to 6:48 pm ist.","summary":"India to witness a total lunar eclipse (\"Blood Moon\") on March 3, 2026. A rare celestial event, visible across much of the country.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/astrology/IN/en/news9/f-73cd9b4b27-769dfc05-5830-59cc-ad67-5e319a191e19","sourceUrl":"https://www.news9live.com/lifestyle/events/lunar-eclipse-2026-in-india-how-and-where-to-witness-totality-2937760","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/mR45I5XTtI_0.webp","content":"

New Delhi: A total lunar eclipse will grace Indian skies on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, offering stargazers a rare and captivating spectacle. Unlike the familiar

\n\n

full moon, a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths scatter while red hues fall on the Moon, giving rise to the striking “Blood Moon” effect.

\n\n

Most parts of India will witness the eclipse during moonrise, with the totality phase lasting about an hour in several locations. Enthusiasts in major cities or remote regions can plan an evening of celestial observation, capturing the Moon as it gradually shifts from its usual glow to a dramatic reddish-orange. This event presents a chance to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary astronomical alignments in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Here is the details.

\n\n

Total lunar eclipse: What to expect across India

Understanding lunar eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Depending on how the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, eclipses are classified into three types: total, partial, and penumbral. A total lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, occurs when the Moon is completely in Earth’s darkest shadow, casting a deep red glow. Partial eclipses cover only a portion of the Moon, while penumbral eclipses are subtle and often difficult to see without instruments.

When and where to watch in India

The eclipse will start at 3.20 pm IST and end at 6.48 pm IST. Totality, when the Moon is fully in Earth’s shadow, occurs between 4.34 pm and 5.33 pm IST. Most of India will observe the eclipse during moonrise, except for certain northeastern regions and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where totality will also be visible. Cities such as Chennai and Kanniyakumari will enjoy up to 31 minutes of visibility.

\n\n

Past and future eclipses

India last witnessed a total lunar eclipse on September 7-8, 2025. The next partial lunar eclipse visible from India will occur on July 6-7, 2028, while the following total lunar eclipse is expected on December 31, 2028.

Tips for viewing

Observers should find open areas away from tall buildings or heavy artificial lights. Binoculars or small telescopes can enhance details of the Moon’s surface. A camera with a zoom lens will capture the transition from bright full moon to deep red hues.

March 3, 2026, promises an unforgettable lunar spectacle. With clear skies, minimal light pollution, and proper planning, everyone in India can experience the captivating transformation of the Moon into a Blood Moon.

\n","readDurationInMinutes":"4","author":{"name":"News9","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/png/0e26af53-6a49-4ee1-a63d-25161b714ad5.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[{"measurementId":"G-EQBYL0ZYL8","type":"GA"},{"measurementId":"33425927","type":"COMSCORE","partnerName":"glance"}],"pointerSummary":["A total lunar eclipse will be visible across India on March 3, 2026.","The \"Blood Moon\" effect occurs when Earth's shadow casts a red glow; totality lasts ~1 hour in some areas.","Most of India will see the eclipse during moonrise; the next total eclipse is Dec 31, 2028."],"tags":["LunarEclipse","BloodMoon","India","CelestialEvent","March2026","Astronomy","Stargazing","TotalLunarEclipse","Moonrise","ViewingTips","Chennai","Kanniyakumari"],"redirectionEnabled":false,"consent":true}

Lunar eclipse 2026: When moon turns red and how to watch it safely

SUMMARY