Read More: Check remedies, and effects of Grahan on your zodiac sign

The Sutak period begins several hours before the lunar eclipse. During this time:

• Avoid cooking or eating food.
• Pregnant women, children and elderly individuals may eat if necessary.
• Add Tulsi (holy basil) leaves to cooked food before Sutak begins.
• Avoid starting new or important activities.
• These traditional practices are followed to maintain spiritual discipline during the eclipse.

To witness the eclipse as it progresses, skywatchers should look toward the eastern horizon soon after moonrise, which offers the best opportunity for a clear and memorable view.

The lunar eclipse will be visible across several regions, including Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa. In India, however, observers are likely to miss the peak phase, with only the final stage of the eclipse expected to be visible after moonrise.

The lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will last approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes. It will begin at 15:20 IST, reach its peak around 17:46 IST, and conclude by 19:58 IST, making it one of the longer eclipse events visible today.

The 03 March 2026 lunar eclipse is part of Saros Cycle 113, a recurring eclipse family that repeats every 18 years, 11 days and 8 hours. The Saros series follows a predictable pattern, progressing from partial eclipses to total eclipses and then gradually returning to partial phases again.

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow. During totality, sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light and allows red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon, giving it a striking reddish glow.

Safety Tips and How to Watch

• A lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse which requires protective filters.
• Choose a clear evening with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best experience.
• Use binoculars or a small telescope to observe the Moon’s changing colours and surface details more clearly.
• Select an open location away from city lights and pollution for sharper visibility.
• If outdoor viewing is not possible, watch live broadcasts by scientific organisations and space agencies.

Yes, it is completely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, no protective glasses or special equipment are required to view it.

The total lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will be visible across much of Asia, Australia, the Pacific region and the Americas, allowing observers in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, New Zealand and Russia to witness the Blood Moon. Some regions in Africa and Europe may not see it fully due to moonset or horizon timing.

Scientists predict the eclipse dates by calculating the precise positions of the Sun, Earth and Moon using orbital mechanics and gravitational laws. An eclipse occurs only when a Full Moon or New Moon aligns closely with the Moon’s orbital nodes. With the help of mathematical models and cycles such as the 18-year Saros cycle, scientists can forecast eclipses decades or even centuries in advance with second-level accuracy.

Ancient Indian astronomers used mathematical texts like the “Surya Siddhanta” to calculate the movements of the Sun and Moon and predict when their alignments would cause a Chandra Grahan. In 499 CE, Aryabhata correctly explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon and not due to mythology. Using advanced mathematics and trigonometry, scholars like Brahmagupta refined these calculations with impressive accuracy over 1,500 years ago.

A Blood Moon happens during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon. Instead of going completely dark, the Moon turns red. The Moon glows red because it is lit by all the sunrises and sunsets happening on Earth at that moment. NASA explain that this red colour occurs due to Rayleigh scattering. It is the same process that make the sky blue during the day.

The answer is no. Research suggests that some night-active animals may respond to the sudden drop in brightness. However, these changes are subtle and short-lived. Once the Moon returns to normal brightness, animals’ behaviour typically resumes as usual. There is no scientific proof that lunar eclipses cause lasting harm to animals. The event is gradual often lasting several hours giving wildlife time to adjust.

As Chandra Grahan 2026 unfolds, “atmospheric refraction” will subtly shape what we see in the sky. Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, allowing some rays to reach the Moon even during totality. This bending filter out blue light and paints the Moon in its iconic reddish “Blood Moon” glow.

Near the horizon, refraction can also make the eclipsed Moon appear slightly higher than its true position. During this event, the invisible atmospheric effect will be the reason the darkened Moon still shines in deep crimson hues.

Something spectacular will unfold in the sky today. A total lunar eclipse will coincide with sunrise in some parts of the world. This means skywatchers may witness a blood-red Moon and a rising Sun at the same time. The atmospheric refraction will make it visible. This rare pairing of events marks one of the most unusual sky shows of the year. To catch the blood moon and sunrise together, aim for roughly, 6:04 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. EST.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in several Indian cities tomorrow, giving skywatchers a rare opportunity to watch the Moon move through Earth’s shadow without any special equipment. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are expected to witness the event.

Read More: Complete List of City-Wise Visibility Timings in India

Lunar Eclipse: How to watch?

1. When the sky is clear and you can see the eastern horizon and it is the ideal time for you to witness this.

2. You can view the Moon’s shifting phases and colors more vividly if you have binoculars or a small telescope.

3. Choose a spot that is open and far from city lights for the finest view. The place should be pollution free.

Many scientific organizations and space services are anticipated to provide live streaming of the event for those who are unable to attend in person.

The 03 March 2026 total lunar eclipse will be visible in several US cities during early morning hours.

A total lunar eclipse on 03 March 2026 will turn the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon” as it passes through Earth’s umbral shadow. Sunlight filtering through the atmosphere gives it a red glow. It is the last total lunar eclipse until 2029, making it a rare spectacle.

India will witness only the final phase of the 03 March 2026 lunar eclipse, as the event will already be underway at moonrise. Visibility will vary across cities, with northeastern states getting a slightly longer viewing window.

On 03 March 2026, a rare total lunar eclipse will align with sunrise, creating a stunning “selenelion” where the red Blood Moon and rising Sun appear together. Visible across parts of the Pacific Rim, Australia and North America, this atmospheric illusion will peak between 6:04 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. EST.

Read More: Blood Moon and Sunrise to appear at the same time— How is this possible?

This eclipse also carries cultural significance for many observers. In India, the celestial event coincides with traditional festivals and offers an exciting opportunity for people to learn about Earth‑Sun‑Moon dynamics firsthand.

Worldwide, 3rd March marks the only total lunar eclipse of 2026. The next is not expected until late 2028 or early 2029. So, this date makes it a rare and unforgettable spectacle.

Read More: Total lunar eclipse 2026 tomorrow: How and Where to watch the blood moon live

On 03 March 2026, skywatchers are witnessing a spectacular total lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon. During this event, Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep red shadow on the lunar surface. What makes it special is its rarity—this is the last total lunar eclipse until 2029, making tonight’s celestial show truly unmissable.

Hello and welcome to our live blog coverage of today’s Total Lunar Eclipse, the spectacular Blood Moon of 03 March 2026.

We’re excited to have you with us as this rare celestial event unfolds in the night sky. Over the next few hours, we’ll bring you real-time updates, key timings, visibility details across cities, expert insights, and everything you need to know about this Chandra Grahan.

As the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow and begins to glow deep red, stay tuned right here for the latest developments, viewing tips, and stunning moments from across India and around the world. Let’s witness this cosmic spectacle together.