A total lunar eclipse is set to grace the sky today, March 3. As sky watchers prepare to witness this cosmic spectacle, a question arises as to when the lunar eclipse will begin and end.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse is when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow, while in a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow. This time, sky watchers in North America, Australia and East Asia will be able to see at least part of the total phase of this astronomical event – more than 40% of the world’s population.
The moon will turn a dramatic red when it is completely immersed in Earth’s dark umbral shadow, known as a “blood moon”. According to Time and Date, over three billion people will be able to witness a total lunar eclipse in 2026. This event is notable because it will be the last total lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028-2029. To see the first lunar eclipse of the year, space enthusiasts must note the time below.
Total lunar eclipse in 2026
In a post on X, the India Meteorological Department provided the key timings in IST that observers across India can follow for the 2026 total lunar eclipse.
- Eclipse Start: 15:20 (15:20)
- Totality begins: 16:34 (16:34)
- Overall finish: 17:33 (17:33)
- Eclipse ends: 18:48 (18:48)
According to IMD, the magnitude of the deep total lunar eclipse will be 1.155.
Where to watch a total lunar eclipse?
Most places in India will observe the end of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise except some places in northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the end of the total phase of the eclipse will also be visible, the IMD said.
- Total duration — 5 hours, 39 minutes
- Total duration — 58 minutes
- Duration of partial stages — 2 hours 29 minutes
- Duration of penumbral phases — 2 hours, 12 minutes
“As per the current forecast, we expect generally clear to partly clear skies over Shillong and adjoining areas on Tuesday evening. This should enable people to witness the eclipse without major weather-related hindrances,” PTI quoted an IMD official as saying.
He added: “If the eastern horizon remains clear around sunset, residents will be able to see the moon emerging from the Earth’s shadow with its characteristic reddish hue.”
