A stunning celestial spectacle will unfold in the night skies on March 3 as a total lunar eclipse turns the Moon into a striking hue of red. Also known as a 'Blood Moon, the phenomenon occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. The good news is skygazers in India will be able to witness this rare event.
What Is A 'Blood Moon'
The Moon will move into the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra, creating what is known as the 'Blood Moon'. The moon appears reddish-orange due to sunlight refracting through the Earth's atmosphere. While the foreboding sight of a crimson Moon looming large above has led many cultures throughout history to interpret it as an omen of misfortune, in contemporary times, the term "blood moon" has captivated public fascination.
Where And How To Watch Lunar Eclipse In India
Observers across India will be able to watch the transformation. As per a bulletin released by India's Ministry of Earth Sciences, the total lunar eclipse is set to occur on March 3. The eclipse is slated to commence at 3:20 p.m. IST and conclude at 6:48 p.m. IST. The totality phase, or the phase when the Moon is fully covered in Earth's shadow, will start at 4:34 p.m. IST and end at 5:33 p.m. IST.
In most regions across the country, the moon will rise while the eclipse is already underway, except in the Northeast and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where observers will be able to see the end of totality as the moon rises. Cities such as Chennai and Kanyakumari will experience the eclipse for as long as 31 minutes. According to a report in India Today, the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country will get the best viewing seats to this event. The visibility will be significantly better in places like Kolkata than in western cities. Cities like Itanagar, Guwhati and Siliguri will also see a much larger portion of the eclipse.
Cultural Significance
The eclipse is culturally significant for many observers in India as it coincides with the festival of Holi. Eclipses are considering spiritually powerful periods, according to Hindu tradition. Several people will mark the lunar eclipse by observing rituals, meditation or prayers.
What Is A Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that takes place when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. This configuration can only occur during a full moon. The only total lunar eclipse of 2026 will be tomorrow. The next one is not anticipated until late 2028 or early 2029.
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