Total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026: most of India sees only the ending at moonrise
A total lunar eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026 from 15:20 to 18:48 IST; most of India saw only its ending at moonrise, while parts of the Northeast and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality.
Summary
A total lunar eclipse took place on 3 March 2026 (12 Phalguna, 1947 Saka Era). According to the government's advance note, the eclipse began at 15:20 IST and ended at 18:48 IST, with totality from 16:34 to 17:33 IST. Because the Moon had not risen over most of India during totality, most places saw only the ending of the eclipse at moonrise; some places in North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality, and it was not visible from some places in the extreme west. The Indian Express noted that a lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye.
Key facts
- Date
- 3 March 2026 (12 Phalguna, 1947 Saka)
- Eclipse
- 15:20 – 18:48 IST
- Totality
- 16:34 – 17:33 IST
- India
- Most places saw the ending at moonrise
- End of totality visible
- Parts of North-East India; Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Not visible
- Some places in the extreme west
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What type of eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026, with totality from 16:34 to 17:33 IST.
During the total lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026, the end of totality was visible from which parts of India?
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Correct answer: A — Parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Most of India saw only the ending at moonrise; some places in North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality.
Consider the following statements about the lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026: 1. The totality phase lasted from 16:34 to 17:33 IST. 2. Most places in India saw the entire totality phase because the Moon had already risen. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Moon had not risen over most of India during totality, so most places saw only the ending of the eclipse at moonrise.