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