Skywatchers are abuzz with the news of the first major sky event of the year: the total lunar eclipse of March 3, 2026, also known as a Blood Moon. During this eclipse, the Moon will appear red as Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon’s surface.
Why does the Moon turn red?
During a total lunar eclipse, the Sun is never obscured. Instead, the Sun’s light is bent and filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering the blue colours and allowing the longer red wavelengths to bend towards the Moon. This filtered light shines on the Moon, painting it a reddish-copper colour.
Imagine what it would be like to witness this phenomenon on the Moon itself. You would see Earth as a dark disk eclipsing the Sun, surrounded by a bright red glow. This red glow is caused by the simultaneous sunrise and sunset around the globe, with the Sun’s light being directed towards the Moon through Earth’s atmosphere.
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Will it be visible in India?
Stargazers in India will be able to witness the event partially. The entire event will be visible from the Americas and Western Europe. By the time the Moon rises in Indian cities, the totality of the event will already be over.
In New Delhi, the Moon will rise at 18:18 IST, while in Mumbai, it will rise slightly later, at 18:38 IST. As it happens, the Moon will be in the penumbral stage, the lighter outer edge of Earth’s shadow. Rather than turning red, the Moon will appear slightly less bright than normal.
The eclipse ends at 21:23 IST, allowing observers a few hours to witness the subtle lightening return as the Moon brightens.
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How to watch safely?
Lunar eclipses are safe to view without eye protection. To best observe the event, find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. While the spectacular red stage of the eclipse will not be visible from India, the process of the Moon emerging from Earth’s shadow is a peaceful and beautiful sight for astronomers.
