Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3 to Be Partially Visible Across India

A total lunar eclipse is set to occur on March 3, 2026, coinciding with the full moon day of 12 Phalguna, 1947 Saka Era. The event will be visible from most parts of India, except for some locations in the extreme western regions.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the eclipse will begin at 3:20 PM IST and conclude at 6:48 PM IST. The total phase will start at 4:34 PM IST and end at 5:33 PM IST, with a magnitude of 1.155, indicating a deep total eclipse.

In India, the eclipse will largely be observed at the time of moonrise. In most cities, including Shimla, the Moon will rise after the beginning of the umbral and total phases, meaning residents will witness the concluding stages of the eclipse. For instance, in Shimla, moonrise is scheduled at 6:21 PM, allowing approximately 27 minutes of visibility of the umbral phase thereafter. However, in parts of Northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, even the end of the totality phase will be visible.

Astronomically, a lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, aligning in a straight line. A total lunar eclipse takes place when the entire Moon passes into the Earth's umbral shadow.

The previous lunar eclipse visible from India occurred on September 7–8, 2025, and was also total. The next lunar eclipse visible from the country will be a partial one on July 6, 2028.

Sky watchers are advised that lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye, without any protective equipment.