Lunar eclipse March 3: Date, duration, visibility in India and all other details

HIGHLIGHTS

People in India can watch the lunar eclipse in the evening, just after the Moon rises.

In many Indian cities, the main view will be only for a few minutes, so people need to watch early.

This happens when Earth blocks sunlight, making the Moon appear red. Some countries will see it for longer.

Lunar eclipse March 3: Date, duration, visibility in India and all other details

Instead of the usual shining white moon, evening commuters on March 3, 2026, may witness something unique as the surroundings grow darker, almost like the start of a horror movie, while the moon gradually shifts shades over time. This will not be due to clouds or pollution, but because Earth itself will be blocking the Sun’s light. India will be among the countries that get a chance to see part of this total lunar eclipse. The timing makes it different from many past eclipses, as the key moments will occur soon after moonrise. The viewing window will be short, lasting only a few minutes in many cities. Still, it offers a clear reminder of how constantly the sky changes above us.

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What is the total lunar eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. As a result, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, blocking the direct sunlight. However, even though the direct sunlight is cut off, the Earth’s atmosphere bends (refracts) the sunlight, allowing only the red light to reach the Moon. Because of this, the Moon sometimes appears red during a total lunar eclipse.

Total lunar eclipse: Date and evening moonrise visibility in India

The people in India will be able to watch the Blood Moon on the evening of March 3, 2026. If you’re living in Delhi, Noida and nearby areas, the moon will rise at about 18:22 IST, and the eclipse will already be in progress. The peak visible moment will come at 18:27 IST. The visible phase will end quickly, around 18:47 IST, making early viewing important.

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Global visibility of total lunar eclipse

Worldwide, depending on the region, the sky watchers will be able to witness the total lunar eclipse starting the night of March 3 and until the early morning of March 4, 2026. 

Furthermore, several countries will see the full sequence of the total lunar eclipse for hours. According to the experts, parts of Asia, Australia, the Pacific region and the Americas will have longer visibility compared to India.

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Best places to watch the blood moon in India and worldwide

If you’re planning to watch the total lunar eclipse from India or anywhere around the world, then here are the best possible locations you can enjoy it from:

  • Locations with a clear view towards the eastern horizon.
  • Rooftops, open fields and areas away from tall buildings are ideal.
  • Cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna and Kolkata can offer good views if skies remain clear.
  • Coastal regions may also provide scenic viewing. The eclipse is safe to watch without any equipment.

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Best camera phones to capture the total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) in India

While many people prefer using a DSLR to photograph a total lunar eclipse, today’s flagship smartphones are also capable of capturing clear Blood Moon images. With improved zoom cameras, better night mode, and smarter image processing, modern phones can record the Moon’s red colour and surface details. If you have one of the latest camera-focused phones, you can capture the total lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 without needing professional gear. Here are some devices recommended for lunar eclipse photography:

  • Vivo X300 Pro with Teleconverter Kit
  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra with Teleconverter Kit
  • Oppo Find X9 Pro with Teleconverter Kit
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Even if you are using a regular smartphone, you can still get good results by following these steps:

  • Turn on night mode or use the longest available exposure setting.
  • Place your phone on a tripod or any stable surface to avoid shaking.
  • Zoom in using optical zoom if available. Avoid excessive digital zoom.
  • Tap on the moon on your screen to focus properly.
  • Take multiple photos as the Moon changes colour during the eclipse.
  • Using a stable setup and clear skies will help you capture the Blood Moon more clearly.

Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile

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