A total lunar eclipse is set to take place on Tuesday when Earth will cast its shadow on the Moon, resulting in its deep reddish-orange appearance. The celestial event, which occurs only during a full Moon, will be visible across India and several other time zones. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon moves into Earth's umbral shadow. "A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a gigantic shadow across the lunar surface and turning the Moon a deep reddish-orange. This alignment can only occur during a full Moon phase," NASA explained on its website.
A total lunar eclipse is different from a partial one as in the latter's case, only a portion of the Moon is covered by the shadow. Notably, this will be the only total lunar eclipse of 2026.
Total Lunar Eclipse In Indian Cities
The India Metrological Department (IMD) has also shared details about the eclipse's appearance in Indian cities. According to the weather agency, the total lunar eclipse will have a magnitude of 1.155, indicating a deep total eclipse, also known as the “Blood Moon”.
Total Lunar Eclipse: March 3, 2026
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) March 2, 2026
A total lunar eclipse will occur when the whole Moon comes under the umbral shadow of the Earth and the partial lunar eclipse occurs only when a part of the Moon comes under shadow of the Earth.
•When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
•Magnitude:… pic.twitter.com/BKXyEKhoAj
The celestial event will be visible across India, as well as parts of Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Americas, depending on the weather conditions, it added in a post on X.
"Most of the places of India will observe the ending of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise except some places of North-East India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the end of the totality phase of the eclipse will also be visible," the IMD said.
Total Lunar Eclipse Timings:
According to the IMD, the total lunar eclipse will begin at 3:20 p.m. (IST) and ends around 7:00 p.m. (IST).
Key Timings (IST):
- Eclipse Begins: 3:20 p.m.
- Totality Starts: 4:34 p.m.
- Totality Ends: 5:33 p.m.
- Eclipse Ends: 6:48 p.m.
How To Watch Total Lunar Eclipse Live:
The total lunar eclipse of Tuesday can be seen with the naked eye and does not require any special equipment. Viewers simply need a clear line of sight to the Moon. For a better experience, NASA recommends watching from a dark location away from city lights. Using binoculars or a telescope can also offer a clearer and more detailed view of the Moon during the eclipse.
Total Lunar Eclipse: Key Do's and Don'ts
Unlike the solar eclipse, which can be harmful for the eyes if watched directly, it is safe to see a lunar eclipse with naked eyes. While scientifically or medically, there are no specific restrictions on observing it, religious or cultural beliefs about eclipses may vary. In Hinduism, devotees often spend the time chanting Vedic mantras, meditating or performing bhajans and kirtans. It is also common to bathe before and after the occurrence of an eclipse. Many people also recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during the lunar eclipse for spiritual benefits.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
