First Lunar Eclipse of 2026 to occur on March 3: Will it be visible in India?
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, March 3, 2026: The first lunar eclipse of 2026 is set to occur on Tuesday, March 3, coinciding with the full moon of the Phalguna Shukla Paksha, a date considered significant from a religious perspective. In India, it will be observed as a penumbral partial lunar eclipse, meaning the eclipse will be visible at the time of moonrise.
The eclipse will be visible across several parts of the world. Most countries in Asia, particularly India and regions of East and Central Asia, will witness the event.
Australia and Oceania will experience the clearest view. Additionally, the eclipse will be fully visible in parts of North and Central America, the western regions of South America, and across the Pacific Ocean. However, Africa and Europe will not be able to see this eclipse.
In India, the eclipse will coincide with moonrise, with the final stages being most visible in most locations. Northeastern states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh may witness the eclipse at its peak.
Major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, will see only the partial eclipse at moonrise, lasting approximately 20–25 minutes.
Eclipse Timings in India:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 2:14 PM
- Partial eclipse begins: 3:20 PM
- Total eclipse (fullity): 4:34 PM – 5:32 PM
- Partial eclipse ends: 6:45 PM
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 7:53 PM