Published: 2 March 2026PIBScience & Technology
Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Across Most of India on March 3, 2026
A total lunar eclipse occurred on March 3, 2026, visible from most places across India except some areas in the extreme western region. The eclipse began at 3:20 PM IST and ended at 6:48 PM IST, with totality from 4:34 PM to 5:33 PM IST. The best viewing window in India was between 6:20 PM and 6:40 PM as the Moon rose in the east already glowing red.
The India Meteorological Department issued an advisory confirming the eclipse's magnitude of 1.155, making it a deep total eclipse. Cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Jaipur witnessed the phenomenon. The previous lunar eclipse visible from India was the total lunar eclipse of 7-8 September 2025.
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Answer (50 words):
A total lunar eclipse occurred on March 3, 2026, visible across most of India except parts of the extreme west. Beginning at 3:20 PM IST and ending at 6:48 PM IST, totality ran from 4:34 to 5:33 PM. The IMD-confirmed magnitude was 1.155, the deepest eclipse since November 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
When did the total lunar eclipse of 2026 occur in India and what was its magnitude?
A total lunar eclipse occurred on **March 3, 2026** across most of India. The **IMD** confirmed its magnitude at **1.155**, making it a **deep total eclipse**. Totality lasted from **4:34 PM to 5:33 PM IST**.
What was the timing of the March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse in India?
The eclipse began at **3:20 PM IST** and ended at **6:48 PM IST**, with totality from **4:34 PM to 5:33 PM IST**. The best viewing window was **6:20–6:40 PM** as the Moon rose red in the east.
Was the March 2026 total lunar eclipse the first one visible from India since when?
Yes — it was the **first total lunar eclipse visible from India since November 2022**, a gap of over three years. Cities including **Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Jaipur** witnessed it.
Which Indian cities witnessed the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026?
**Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Jaipur** witnessed the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. The eclipse (magnitude **1.155**) was not visible in some extreme western areas of India.
What is the significance of the IMD's magnitude reading of 1.155 for the March 2026 lunar eclipse?
A magnitude of **1.155** confirmed by **IMD** classifies the March 3, 2026 event as a **deep total eclipse** — meaning the Moon passed well within Earth's umbral shadow, producing a vivid blood-red appearance.
