Total lunar eclipse 2026: Watch the moon turn red this Holi; know when and where it will be visible in India.
The Moon will turn red in a rare total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. This bloody moon coincides with Holi, giving the sky its own festival of colours. In many areas, the moon will already rise bright red, making the eclipse feel like a dramatic start to the evening. For those in the best viewing locations, the total period when the moon will be completely in Earth’s shadow will last about 58 minutes, giving skywatchers about an hour to enjoy the spectacle. People are already planning where to watch, especially in Northeast India. The sight of the red moon shining over the hills or rivers remains in the memory. Experts say that while total lunar eclipses occur a few times a year globally, they are not always visible in India.
Total Lunar Eclipse: 2026 – How and When to Watch in India
The eclipse will begin in the afternoon on March 3, 2026. The penumbral phase begins at around 4:58 pm IST. In total, the time when the Moon is completely in Earth’s shadow lasts for about 58 minutes, ending around 5:32 p.m. Depending on your city, maximum eclipse occurs around 5:10-5:25 pm. In most parts of India, the moon rises during the eclipse. This means that only the last step can be visible. Still, catching the red moon shining on the horizon is reportedly magical. And no one has to stay awake very late. Just go outside at dusk and look east.
lunar eclipse 2026: Indian states where blood moon is visible
Source: Time and Date
blood moon 2026: Global places to view the total lunar eclipse
Areas that will see at least part of the eclipse, according to timeanddate.com: Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic, and Antarctica.
What is lunar eclipse and why does the moon turn red
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. The Earth comes exactly between the Sun and the Moon. Sunlight passes through our atmosphere to filter red light on the Moon. This is why its shine becomes like copper, almost real. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon. Due to this, the Earth’s shadow falls on the surface of the Moon, which is called the penumbra. While Earth blocks direct sunlight, our atmosphere acts like a lens. It filters blue and violet light. It bends red and orange light toward the moon. This effect is known as Rayleigh scattering. This is why the sunset looks red. When you look at a blood moon, you are seeing the reflection of all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth falling on the moon simultaneously.
Blood Moon Viewing Tips
Watching a lunar eclipse is surprisingly simple.
- Step outside.
- Find a clear view of the eastern horizon.
- Avoid bright city lights if possible.
- Binoculars or a telescope can add detail but are not necessary. Terraces, beaches and mountain peaks are popular destinations.
People are sharing photos online. Some people picture the moon by city skylines, some by rivers.
