Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026 – Visibility & Timings in New Delhi
A Total Lunar Eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, marking the first lunar eclipse of the year. With a magnitude of 1.14, the Moon will be completely immersed in Earth’s umbral shadow at maximum eclipse, appearing reddish — often called a “Blood Moon.”
In New Delhi, India, only the partial phase will be visible at moonrise.
Lunar Eclipse Timings in New Delhi (March 3, 2026)
All timings are in local time (12-hour format) for New Delhi.
🌕 Local Visibility Details
- Moonrise: 06:26 PM
- Lunar Eclipse Starts (With Moonrise): 06:26 PM
- Lunar Eclipse Ends: 06:46 PM
- Local Eclipse Duration: 00 Hours 20 Mins 28 Secs
Since the Moon rises at 06:26 PM, Delhi observers will see only the final part of the partial eclipse.
Complete Eclipse Phases (Global Timings)
- First Contact with the Penumbra: 02:16 PM
- First Contact with the Umbra: 03:21 PM
- Total Phase Begins: 04:35 PM
- Maximum of Lunar Eclipse: 05:04 PM
- Total Phase Ends: 05:33 PM
- Last Contact with the Umbra: 06:46 PM
- Last Contact with the Penumbra: 07:52 PM
Duration of Phases
- Duration of Total Phase: 00 Hours 57 Mins 27 Secs
- Duration of Partial Phase: 03 Hours 25 Mins 17 Secs
- Duration of Penumbral Phase: 05 Hours 35 Mins 45 Secs
Eclipse Magnitude
- Magnitude of Lunar Eclipse: 1.14
- Magnitude of Penumbral Eclipse: 2.18
A magnitude greater than 1 indicates a total lunar eclipse, meaning the Moon will be fully inside Earth’s umbra at peak.
What Happens During a Total Lunar Eclipse?
During totality:
- The Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon.
- Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters red wavelengths.
- The Moon appears coppery-red.
This phenomenon is safe to observe with the naked eye.
Visibility in India
In India, visibility varies by region:
- Eastern & North-Eastern India: Total lunar eclipse visible.
- Most Parts of India (including New Delhi): Partial eclipse visible.
- Western India: Only penumbral phase visible, as Moon rises after total phase ends.
Major Indian cities where different phases will be visible include:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Guwahati
Global Visibility
The Total Lunar Eclipse will be fully visible from:
- East Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Australia
- Pacific Ocean
- Most of North America
- Northern parts of South America
Popular global cities with total visibility include:
- New York
- Toronto
- Sydney
- Tokyo
- Beijing
A partial eclipse will be visible from parts of Europe, Western Asia, Africa, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.
The eclipse will not be visible in some central African regions where the Moon remains below the horizon.
Sutak Timings (As Per Hindu Panchang – New Delhi)
- Sutak Begins: 09:39 AM
- Sutak Ends: 06:46 PM
For kids, elderly, and sick individuals:
- Sutak Begins: 03:28 PM
- Sutak Ends: 06:46 PM
In Panchang calculations, the day begins and ends with sunrise.
During Sutak period, many people avoid:
- Cooking or eating (except permitted individuals)
- Temple visits
- Auspicious ceremonies
Key Facts at a Glance
| Event | Time (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Moonrise | 06:26 PM |
| Eclipse Visible From | 06:26 PM |
| Eclipse Ends | 06:46 PM |
| Maximum Eclipse (Global) | 05:04 PM |
| Total Phase Duration | 57 Minutes 27 Seconds |
| Eclipse Magnitude | 1.14 |
Conclusion
The Total Lunar Eclipse of March 3, 2026 is a major astronomical event. While New Delhi will witness only a brief partial phase at moonrise, many regions across the world will experience the spectacular red “Blood Moon.”
This celestial event beautifully demonstrates the alignment of Earth, Moon, and Sun — a reminder of the fascinating mechanics of our solar system.
