Total lunar eclipse: When and where to watch the celestial event; IMD shares locations, timings

NEW DELHI: A total lunar eclipse, which will be visible across India, will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon passes into the Earth’s umbral shadow.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the March 3 event will have a magnitude of 1.155, making it a deep total eclipse.





In India, visibility will differ by region, the IMD said. Most places in the country will see the ending phase of the eclipse at the time of moonrise. However, parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also be able to see the end of the totality phase.



As per Indian Standard Time (IST), the eclipse will begin at 15:20 (3:20 PM). Totality will start at 16:34 (4:34 PM) and end at 17:33 (5:33 PM). The eclipse will end at 18:48 (6:48 PM).

The eclipse will also be visible in Eastern Asia, Australia and America.

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned, and the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight. During totality, the Moon often appears red because only red light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, while blue light is scattered.